How To Avoid Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adult Americans have some form of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. It occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and become an infection that affects the gums. Other health issues can increase the risk of gum disease, such as pregnancy, diabetes and obesity. Gum disease, however, is easily avoided through good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

The Progression of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque buildup on the teeth. When plaque — a thin layer of bacteria — hardens, it then turns into tartar which requires a dentist to remove. If tartar is not removed, the disease progresses.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the beginning state of gum disease. Symptoms include gums that are red and swollen or bleed when brushing and flossing. Preventing gingivitis is as simple as brushing and flossing daily as well as keeping up with biannual dental cleaning appointments.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which can lead to more severe oral health problems. Bone loss within the teeth can occur, and the damage that it causes cannot be reversed.

At Integrity Dental, we treat gum disease with a deep cleaning that includes scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the visible portion of your teeth while root planing smooths the roots of the tooth to prevent bacteria buildup.

Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around your teeth, which only gum surgery can treat. That’s why it’s important to stop it at the early stages. We help patients in Wellington, Florida and the surrounding areas maintain proper dental hygiene and treat them for periodontal disease. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment so that we can help you achieve a happy and healthy smile.