How Do I Treat My Periodontitis

Periodontitis is gum disease.  It is an infection that affects the dental health of gum tissues and bone that support the teeth.  Periodontitis is often painless and sneaky, patients may not be aware that they have a dental health problem until the gum tissues and the supporting bone are seriously damaged.   The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis and it is reversible with professional cleanings at the dentist’s office and regular brushing and flossing.  If gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress into a more serious dental health condition called periodontitis and it may require more complex treatment to prevent bone loss and tooth loss.

Periodontitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.  Plaque produces harmful toxins that can irritate and inflame the gums.  Inflamed gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets and they trap plaque which cannot be removed with regular brushing.  Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis and it is reversible. Periodontitis is the advance gum disease with bone loss.

Periodontitis is diagnosed by the dentist during a routine, dental checkup.  The dentist uses an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gum tissues. Periodontal pockets measured at 3mm (millimeters) or less are considered healthy.  Periodontal pockets measured greater than 3mm (millimeters) can be an indication periodontal disease is present.

Gingivitis

·       Early stage of gum disease

·       Gum tissues are red, appear swollen, bleed easily

·       No damage has been done to the bone (no bone loss)

·       Reversible to healthy gums

·       Professional cleanings at the dentist’s office

·       Regular brushing and flossing daily

Periodontitis

·       Gum infection caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria

·       Plaque causes destruction of gum tissues & supporting bone of the teeth

·       Diagnosed by the dentist

·       X-rays show bone loss

·       
A July 2015 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) finds that 47.2% of adults over 30 are affected by Chronic periodontitis in US

·       Signs & symptoms:

-gums that bleed easily

-red, swollen, tender gums

-gums pulled away from the teeth and form pockets depths more than 3mm

-persistent bad breath or bad taste

-any change in the way the teeth fit together (bite/occlusion)

-visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

-loose/separating teeth