Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition. Your gums are the gateway to the rest of the body, and it’s important to keep them healthy. An experienced periodontist can help you achieve this goal.
There are several degrees of periodontal disease, which develops when plaque builds up and leads to inflammation. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease diagnosed by periodontists, and it involves mild redness, swelling and bleeding, but often little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is typically reversible when a patient adheres to a good oral hygiene routine at home.
If gingivitis is untreated, however, it can progress to a more serious condition known as periodontitis, which occurs when plaque begins to grow underneath the gum line. That plaque growth leads the gums to separate from the teeth, and the pockets that develop are susceptible to infection that can lead to the erosion of gum tissue and the underlying bone.
Be on the lookout for symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding and redness, gaps between the gum and the teeth, loose teeth and bad breath. Stress, certain medications and smoking also have been linked to periodontal disease.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are at risk for periodontal disease, it’s important to schedule regular visits with Dr. Guirguis who can offer treatment and ongoing monitoring of your condition. Gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss, and it has even been linked to a host of other systemic conditions, ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Periodontists are able to treat gum disease with a variety of treatments, ranging from less invasive options like scaling and planing to surgery in cases of advanced periodontal disease.
If you have further questions about gum disease or to be checked out by a periodontist, call our office at Fresh Dental to schedule a consultation!
