Concord Periodontist Answers 10 Common FAQs About Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. It results from the gum or supporting bone infection and is characterized by inflammation of the gums. The gums are swollen, reddened, and may bleed. In advanced stages, it’s called periodontitis. The gums recede, bones loosen, and teeth fall out.

What Are Some Cautionary Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is not without warning signs. A few vital signs include sensitive teeth, painful chewing, loose teeth, red or swollen gums, bad breath, gums drawn away from your teeth, and tender gums, which may often bleed. Also, if there is a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite or a change in the perfect fit of partial dentures, you should be on high alert for periodontal disease.

Can Children Develop Periodontal Disease?

Even though periodontal disease mainly affects adults, children can suffer from the condition. In children, the disease is triggered by an influx of hormones at puberty and poor nutrition. Genetic factors may put a child at risk of gum disease depending on the inherited genotypes. Also, children with braces have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, which may risk gum disease.

What To Expect During My First Periodontal Examination?

The periodontist performs a brief oral examination to add her notes on your medical status. The examination is mostly physical. It starts with examining your head, neck, and jaw for any signs of a TMJ disorder. The doctor then cross-examines your teeth, gums, and throat and may require X-rays to be taken depending on your condition. The examination is not painful.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

It is treated surgical and non-surgically. Non-surgical treatments include scaling, root planing, and administration of antibiotics. Surgical treatments include flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and application of tissue-stimulating proteins. If in the initial stages, you can also treat the disease with home remedies such as using a soft brush, flossing, brushing daily, avoiding smoking, having regular professional dental exams and cleanings, and rinsing your mouth regularly.

What Are the Potential Threats of Periodontal Disease?

If left untreated, the periodontal disease gets to its advanced stage called periodontitis, and if left untreated, it could lead to teeth loss. Also, the bacteria causing gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect other body parts. For instance, periodontitis is linked with rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, and difficulty regulating blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

Since gum disease is caused by an inflammatory reaction to harmful bacteria under the gums, it’s not contagious, particularly through casual contact. Nonetheless, you can spread the bacteria responsible for the inflammatory reaction via saliva.

How Frequently Should I Schedule a Periodontal Examination?

A dentist in Concord, MA, recommends having a bi-annual periodontal examination. It allows the periodontist to consistently monitor your dental health and provide professional cleaning. Also, the periodontist can identify the earliest symptoms and address them before they develop into severe symptoms.

How Do I Prevent Periodontal Disease?

The first step toward preventing periodontal disease is maintaining optimal oral health and adhering to regular professional dental cleanings. Brush your teeth twice daily, use mouthwash, use a soft toothbrush, floss daily, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps eliminate bacteria that may otherwise build up and cause gum disease. However, should you get the disease, Concord Woods Dental Group offers treatment for Periodontics in Concord, MA.

What Can Periodontists Do That My Dentist Cannot?

Periodontists concentrate on diagnosing and treating gum disease and thus can help you contain signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. A periodontist will provide full-scale treatment while a dentist cannot. A dentist does not solely specialize in gums and thus may not offer comprehensive diagnosis or treatment, particularly when touching sensitive areas such as soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth.