periodontal disease in Campbell is a severe gum infection and a leading cause of tooth loss in America. The condition usually develops due to poor dental hygiene practices such as failing to brush and floss your teeth as advised. It begins as an inflammation of the gums and worsens over time if a patient fails to seek medical attention. The early signs of periodontitis include swollen gums and bleeding when you brush and floss. If you notice these symptoms, see your dentist to prevent the disease from advancing. Early treatment gives you the chance to reverse the damage without undergoing invasive procedures like surgery.
How does plaque advance to periodontitis?
- Plaque formation.
In combination with bacteria in your mouth, food particles, sugar, and saliva form plaque. Since plaque re-forms quickly, it is recommended that you brush your teeth twice each day and floss at least every day.
- Tartar formation.
When you fail to brush and floss your teeth to remove the plaque, it forms a hard substance called tartar along your gum line. Tartar contains harmful bacteria that can damage your gums. Cleaning techniques such as brushing cannot eliminate tartar. Professional cleaning such as scaling and root planing can be used to remove the substance on your teeth’s surface and gumline. The longer tartar remains on your teeth, the more damage they cause.
- Gum inflammation
The bacteria present in plaque and tartar eventually affect your gums, resulting in irritation and inflammation. It is a mild form of gum disease, and the typical sign you may have is bleeding when you floss and brush your teeth. Fortunately, this condition can be cleared with professional treatment and observing dental hygiene practices afterward.
- Periodontal disease
If gum inflammation proceeds without any medical intervention, gums begin to pull away from teeth. Small pockets develop and harbor plaque, tartar, and bacteria. As time progresses, the pockets become more profound and with more bacteria. Without treatment, infections develop, which further destroy tissue and bone. Teeth become loose, and you risk missing one or more of them. Other signs and symptoms of advanced periodontitis include bad breathe, pain while chewing, and a foul taste in your mouth.
How can I prevent periodontitis?
The best way to reduce your risk for periodontitis is to adopt healthy dental practices and practice them consistently throughout life. For example:
- Brush your teeth every day – in the morning and before you go to bed to get rid of plaque—floss to remove food particles stuck between teeth to avoid the formation of bacteria. Healthy oral practices prevent the development of an environment favorable to bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning at least every six months. However, the visits can be frequent if you are at risk for periodontitis. For example, you may need regular professional cleanings if you have diabetes or use medications that dry your mouth.
Taking care of your oral health is equally as important as ensuring your physical state is top-tier. Book a session with your dentist at Ueno Center Dental Specialist for treatment to reduce your risk of tooth loss.
