Periodontitis - Symptoms Causes & Prevention - Bright Horizons Dental

Periodontitis – Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Periodontitis is an infection that affects soft tissue, gums, and causes severe damages. Lack of treatment can also damage the bones that support your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), periodontitis and gingivitis lead to tooth loss in adults. 

So what causes gum disease? Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease. Therefore, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances for successful periodontitis treatment. 

Following a healthy oral routine can also help reduce periodontitis if you already have an infection or are at risk because of age, genetic disposition and certain lifestyle decisions, like smoking.

Symptoms Of Periodontitis

Listed below are some signs and symptoms of periodontitis. If you notice these symptoms, you should consult a Boca Raton dentist.

  • Swollen and painful gums
  • Gums feel tender when touched
  • Gums bleed easily
  • Tooth loss
  • Pain when chewing
  • Newly-formed gaps between teeth
  • You suffer from halitosis or bad breath
  • You have receding gums

Causes Of Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when you ignore your oral health and have a poor oral regimen but those aren’t the only reasons. In reality, it all  starts with plaque.

Plaque: Food with too much starch or sugar interacts with bacteria found in your mouth and causes plaque. If you don’t brush your teeth frequently or properly, plaque forms on the surface of each tooth and becomes difficult to remove.

Tartar: When plaque hardens under your gum line, it causes tartar (calculus). The longer the tartar stays on your teeth, the more damage it will cause. Just brushing and flossing won’t remove tartar. You need professional help from your dentist.

Gingivitis: Plaque can cause gingivitis, which is inflammation of gum tissue around the base of teeth. It’s often reversible with professional treatment and proper home-care measures like brushing twice per day, using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.

Pre-existing Gum Problems: If you already suffer from gum inflammation, you are at risk of developing periodontitis. This can lead to the formation of dental pockets between your gums and teeth. The infected pockets, if left untreated, can cause tissue and bone loss. Ultimately, you may lose a tooth or more.

How To Prevent Periodontitis

Establishing Oral Hygiene:

The best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a good oral routine. This includes:

  • Brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes
  • Flossing at least once a day is required to remove the food stuck between gaps.
  • Disinfecting teeth and soft tissue with mouthwash

Getting Help From The Professional:

Your Boca dentist and dental hygienist can help prevent periodontitis by performing routine cleanings. If you have risk factors that  increase your chance of developing the condition, such as the dry mouth or taking certain medications, your dentist may recommend more frequent, professional treatments.

Conclusion

Proper dental care is vital to keep your mouth healthy and prevent diseases. So, make sure you keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. For professional checkups and cleaning, consult our dental expert and book an appointment in Bright Horizons Dental today!