What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that damages, and if left untreated, destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontitis in which only the gum tissue is involved. Without proper care gingivitis can progress into a more severe form (periodontitis) and effect the bone as well. Gum disease usually starts as a result of poor oral hygiene. In-proper or irregular brushing and flossing will allow bacteria to collect below the gumline. Smoking also contributes to a poor oral environment and accelerates the spread of bacteria in the mouth.
How proper oral care can prevent gum disease?
When we eat, bacteria mixes with food and forms a sticky film (plaque) on our teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will remove this film. However, just a couple of days is enough for the plaque to harden into tartar. Removing tartar requires professional dental cleaning. Tartar also permits more bacteria to collect on the teeth causing gum tissue and bone to inflame from the irritation.
Untreated gum tissue inflammation can cause bone loss that allows pockets to develop between the gums and teeth. As these pockets become deeper, more bacteria will fit and build up inside them and eventually destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. If too much bone is destroyed the teeth will not be supported anymore and they fall out.
In our Plainfield dental office, we treat gum disease according to the severity of the disease and other underlying medical conditions you may have.
We usually start with a deep cleaning in the office to remove bacteria from the teeth and under the gums
Dr. Patel, dentist Plainfield IL, will discuss with you the best treatment options and look at your medical history to see if you might have other medical condition, such as diabetes, that may be contributing to your gum disease.
In some cases nonsurgical approaches are not enough to prevent further damage, and Dr. Patel may refer you to a periodontist for gum surgery.
If you have bad breath or your gums bleed when brushing, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel in her Plainfield, IL office and ask to be evaluated for gum disease to prevent more serious conditions.
