Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It is a common problem that plagues many Fresno, CA patients and if not treated properly it can cause significant dental problems. The stages of periodontitis can continue to develop into tooth loss and systemic health problems, and knowing its symptoms, causes, and treatment is important as recommended by a dental practice in Fresno, CA.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontitis, with swelling, red, and even bleeding gums! If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from teeth creating pockets that then become infected. As the plaque extends and thickens below the gum line, the body’s immune system combat with bacteria. If left untreated, these bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed and it causes tooth loss.
Risk Factors
Many factors may lead to the occurrence of periodontitis. The main reason is bad oral hygiene as this non-brushing allows a plaque to accumulate on the teeth and harden into tartar, which can be removed only by a dentist. Another major risk factor is smoking. It harms the gum tissue cells, decreasing their normal function and increasing the likelihood of infection. Furthermore, systemic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis might raise the risk of periodontitis. Hormonal changes in women, genetic susceptibility, and some drugs that limit saliva flow are other important causes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of periodontitis requires a thorough dental examination. In the field of dentistry in Fresno when we perform gum measurements, it measures a depth around each tooth and is known as perio charting. Bone loss must be measured. After a diagnosis is made, treatment may include deep cleaning of pockets around the teeth and preventing additional damage. Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures used to treat the more advanced stages of gingivitis. If a bacterial infection is present, sometimes antibiotics are prescribed.
Treatment
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions may already be needed. Flap surgery is one of them. During this procedure, the gums are lifted back and tartar is removed, then they’re sutured snugly around the teeth. Bone grafting is another surgical procedure performed to replace bone loss caused by periodontitis; Soft Tissue Grafts may be necessary for thin gums or areas where gum recession has occurred. Another choice is laser therapy, a procedure where infected tissue is removed away to promote proper healing.
Maintaining oral health is another key factor to keep periodontitis at bay. Individuals concerning Fresno should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing plaque two times per day daily along with flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash, rinsing away germs that cause gingivitis. You need to visit a dentist regularly for proper cleanings and check-ups. While the average toothbrush and floss can clean your teeth, it is a dentist who keeps tartar at bay; they also keep track of when gum disease becomes early. Smoking cessation, treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, and good dietary practices incorporate the significant factors that can decrease by more than 50% the possibility of acquiring periodontitis.
In the end, we want to say that periodontitis is a dangerous gum disease and you need immediate care and prevention from long-lasting Damage. If you live in Fresno, CA., read on to learn about symptoms and causes of dry mouth as well as treatment alternatives that preserve your oral health. Prevention and control are based on regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices as well as addressing individual risk factors.