A Guide to Periodontal Disease and Its Prevention

Gum disease or periodontal diseases refers to an infection of the gums. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can rapidly destroy the soft gum tissues around the teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease or periodontal diseases. The early stage or the onset of the disease is known as gingivitis. Periodontal therapy in Tomball, TX can help you prevent and treat such conditions.

A mild inflammation or irritation of the gum is called gingivitis. It is caused due to an excess accumulation of plaque in the mouth. Gingivitis is the mildest and earliest of periodontal diseases and can be commonly found in teenagers. Gingivitis can be short-lived or prolonged. Its common symptoms include swelling of gums, bleeding when brushing and redness of gum margins. Unlike periodontitis, the symptoms of gingivitis may not always be visible. Gingivitis does not require any special surgical treatment. With active personal oral care and regular dentist visits, you can cure or contain the condition.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. This advanced stage of gum disease affects not only the gums but also the supporting tissues and the bones in the mouth. The condition begins by pulling away the gums from the teeth. Then spaces are formed in the pockets between the gums and the tooth. Over time, this can lead to chronic gum and bone destruction ultimately causing loss of tooth.

Gingivitis may not cause any pain and can progress on to periodontitis without one realizing. This causes gums to worsen until there is loss of tooth. While the damage caused due to periodontitis appears beyond cure, it can be prevented. Common symptoms include pain when chewing, poor teeth alignment, mouth sores, bad breath, sensitive teeth and a persistent metallic taste.

The most common cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. However, there are some other factors too that contribute to gum recession. These include:

• Smoking – Smoking and use of tobacco leads to the accumulation of tartar on the teeth, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. It makes the disease resistant to treatment and increases the risk of bone loss and tooth loss. You can greatly decrease the chances of having periodontal disease by quitting smoking.
• Crowded or Misaligned Teeth – If you wear braces or have bridgework done, it could be difficult to brush and floss. This can aid formation of plaque and tartar around the gum line. This increases the risk of developing periodontal disease. There are several special tools that can help you in cleaning around the bridges and under the braces. If you have crowded or misaligned teeth, consulting a dentist near you in Tomball, TX is a must.
• Teeth Grinding and Clenching – If you exert excess force on your teeth, it can speed up the breakdown of the ligaments and bone around the teeth. Putting an end to the habit of clenching your teeth is the only solution for this. You may also consider wearing a teeth guard.

There are several other causes of periodontal disease. You can read about them here.

The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Simple practices you can do at home to prevent periodontal disease include:

• Brush your teeth and gums twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Eat a healthy diet
• Reduce the consumption of sugar
• Drink plenty of water

If you experience any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, you should visit a dentist near you at the earliest to prevent the disease from turning severe. Periodontal therapy in Tomball, TX can help you prevent tooth loss and maintain a healthy smile.