What You Need to Know About Periodontics

Periodontics is the practice of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, one of the more common being periodontitis. According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all American adults, suffer from a mild, moderate or severe case of periodontitis, or gum disease. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that every adult in the U.S. should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) each year to evaluate their oral health and diagnose any periodontal disease.

Gum Disease And Periodontitis Explained

Gum disease occurs when the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth get infected. Plaque is essentially sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and below the gum line. This bacteria feeds on sugar and forms acids that eats its way through the tooth enamel and causes cavities.  If not removed, plaque will calcify and harden, forming what is known as tartar or calculus, which is impervious to brushing and flossing and can only be removed by your dentist. Plaque and tartar are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which is why the longer they stay on teeth, the more harmful they become.

The bacteria can cause the gums to bleed, become irritated and inflamed which leads to gum disease. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which can usually be reversed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning. However, if left untreated, the plaque and tartar buildup will form spaces or pockets between the teeth and the gums. When these spaces become infected, it is called periodontitis. While gingivitis and periodontitis are the two most common forms of gum diseases, periodontitis is the most severe form, damaging the soft tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, or worse, has been linked to other serious health problems such as heart attacks.  By practicing periodontics, we can treat this condition.

What Causes Gum Disease?
Factors that increase your risk of gum disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing at least twice, and not flossing at least once daily)
• Not getting regular dental checkups or teeth cleaning
• A history of gum disease in your family
• Poor diet that is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, but is high in simple carbohydrates and sugar.
• High-stress levels
• Hormonal changes
• Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as diabetes or cancer
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Substance abuse
• Certain medications
• Misaligned teeth

What Are The Symptoms?
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink in color. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned below, you should visit our office for a periodontics treatment as soon as possible. This is to reverse any damage and possibly prevent other serious health problems from developing. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis can include:

Reddish, puffy or swollen gums

• Gums that bleed or are tender to the touch
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth
• Spaces between your teeth that were never there before
• An infection that has signs of pus in spaces between your teeth and gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Teeth that feel loose
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite 

A big part of periodontics is the prevention and early treatment of conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If you think you are experiencing any of the signs of gum disease, come and see one of our specialists today and to restore your oral health.

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