Periodontal Therapy
Do you suffer from constant bad breath (halitosis)? Do you feel your teeth moving or experience general pain in your mouth? You may be suffering from gum disease or periodontal disease.
Did you know that over 75% of North Americans aged 35 and older suffer from periodontal disease? It’s one of the most common infections today, and it’s also a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. That’s why it’s important to consult a dentist at a dental clinic to determine the right treatment for your needs.
What is Gingivitis (or gum disease)?
Would you be shocked if your hands bled every time you washed them? Yet, many people think it’s normal for gums to bleed when brushing and flossing.
Red gums and bleeding when brushing are the first signs of a bacterial gum infection. This first stage is called gum disease, or more commonly, gingivitis. It is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist.
If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection spreads and destroys the structures that support the teeth. This more serious disease is called periodontitis.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the bone and gums. Periodontitis is not reversible, but it must be stopped. If left untreated, teeth can become so loose that tooth extraction by your dentist will be necessary.
Causes of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque when it is not properly cleaned. A variety of factors can also play a role in the development of this disease:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Genetics
- Tobacco or other substance use
- Dental malocclusions
- Orthodontic treatments
- Teeth grinding
- Stress
- Medications
- Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Various symptoms of periodontal disease can occur, such as:
- Bad taste in the mouth that returns after brushing
- Chronic halitosis or bad breath
- Black triangles between teeth
- Gum recession
- Purulent gums
- Loose teeth
- Toothache or gum pain
Procedure
- The dental hygienist performs a thorough examination and takes measurements of your gums.
- The dentist will then explain the extent of your periodontal disease during your consultation to establish a treatment plan to eliminate it.
- The dentist will establish a treatment plan to eliminate the periodontal disease.
- A deep cleaning or curettage of your gums may be necessary. The dental hygienist cleans the tartar above the gums during a regular cleaning, and the tartar below the gums during a curettage. They use vibrating instruments and an antibacterial mouthwash to disinfect the gums.