Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

If your gums are chronically red and inflamed, then you may have periodontal disease, a condition then can harm the bone and tissue of your mouth. Given that it is a problem that can worsen over time, periodontal disease should be treated as soon as it shows its initial signs of swelling, redness, and bleeding.

Here at Dr. Mildred S. Arucan-Masunaga's office in Wahiawa, HI, we can help you determine if you have periodontal disease, as well as treat it quickly and effectively. Read on to learn more!

What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Redness, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums while brushing your teeth are all common signs of periodontal disease. Your gums may also feel tender and painful during brushing and flossing, and your teeth may feel loose. Chronic bad breath or a poor taste in your mouth are potential symptoms, as well.

What causes periodontal disease?
Bacteria buildup from plaque causes your gums to become infected. This infection then begins to spread and weaken the base of your teeth, causing them to become loose and possibly require extraction.

Certain ailments, lifestyle habits, and genetic factors can make you more susceptible to periodontal disease. Individuals with diabetes, leukemia, HIV, or inflammatory bowel disease are all at a greater risk of developing the condition, as are smokers and those with hormonal fluctuations.

Furthermore, stress, poor diet, overcrowded teeth, clenching/grinding your teeth, and certain medications that cause dry mouth also impact your likelihood to develop periodontal disease.

What happens if periodontal disease progresses?
Plaque can begin to spread beneath the gum line, possibly causing pockets to form in the gums where bacteria accumulates. As the plaque hardens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove.

What are the health effects of periodontal disease?
Gum disease can cause more than oral ailments. Periodontal disease may increase your risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and even respiratory disease as mouth bacteria infiltrates the lungs.

What can my Wahiawa, HI, dentist do for my periodontal disease?
Your dentist will likely start with professional cleaning, similar to the ones that you receive at your regular cleaning visits, potentially followed by a deep cleaning where the plaque and tartar are removed all the way to the bottom of your tooth pocket. If needed, root planing will be performed, which smoothes the tooth to allow the gum to heal and reattach.

In a very severe case, your Wahiawa dentist may need to perform oral surgery, moving the gums aside for deep cleaning.

Concerned? Give us a call

If you are experiencing the signs of periodontal disease, schedule your appointment today at 808-622-0001.

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