Gum Disease
Salem, OR
What Is Periodontal Disease/Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is also commonly referred to as gum disease. It develops as a result of a bacterial infection in your mouth. A buildup of bacteria irritate your gums, which then causes them to swell. Without treatment, periodontal disease only grows worse. In addition to affecting your gums, it affects your teeth, the supporting structures of your teeth, and your overall health. At Oak Park Dental, we can diagnose and treat periodontal disease, stopping its progression and restoring your oral, and overall, health.What Causes Periodontal Disease?
There are several different issues that can cause periodontal disease. Common causes include:| • | Poor oral hygiene. Even occasionally skipping out on brushing, flossing, or dental visits can significantly increase your risk. |
| • | Crooked teeth. When your teeth are crooked, bacteria have an easier time hiding. |
| • | Tobacco products. Tobacco products increase the stickiness of plaque. They also interfere with the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. |
| • | Dry mouth. Dry mouth creates an environment perfect for fostering bacterial growth. |
| • | Poor nutrition. Poor nutrition affects the ability of your body to heal and fight infections. |
| • | Hormonal changes. Changes such as pregnancy change how your gums react to plaque and bacteria. |
What Happens as Periodontal Disease Advances?
When periodontal disease first begins, it only affects your gums. The plaque and bacteria irritate your gums, leading to inflammation. Without treatment, the condition continues to progress. Your swollen gums pull away from your teeth, leading to the formation of pockets. These pockets begin collecting plaque, bacteria, and other debris. The pockets grow deeper and deeper, eventually allowing the bacteria to reach the jawbone.Once at the bone, the bacteria begin attacking the supporting structures of your teeth, causing them to weaken. Bacteria may even enter into the bloodstream. Ultimately, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss and serious health conditions.
Signs of Periodontal Disease?
There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate periodontal disease. The exact ones that you experience depend upon how advanced the condition is. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:| • | Gums that are red and swollen. |
| • | Bleeding gums when you brush and floss. |
| • | Bad breath that just does not seem to go away. |
| • | Gum recession. When your gums recede, your teeth begin to look longer as more surface area is exposed. You may also begin to notice small spaces between your teeth as well as tooth sensitivity. |
| • | Loose teeth. As the supporting structures of your teeth are weakened, the stability of your teeth becomes compromised. This results in loose, unstable teeth. When your teeth are loose, you may begin to notice changes in your bite. |
| • | Tooth loss. |
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
There are a few different types of treatments available for periodontal disease. The type of treatment you receive depends upon how advanced the condition is when it is diagnosed. Treatments for periodontal disease include:| • | Scaling and root planing. This set of treatments is a type of deep cleaning for your teeth during which all surfaces above and below the gum line are cleaned. |
| • | Periodontal Disease Maintenance. This series of treatments is done to help slow and stop the progression of periodontal disease, and to help your mouth to heal. |
| • | Pocket reduction surgery. This surgical procedure is performed when your periodontal pockets are too deep for scaling and root planing. |
| • | Osseous surgery. Osseous surgery is performed to smooth jawbone affected by bacteria as well as to clean your teeth. |
| • | Soft tissue and bone grafting. These regenerative procedures help to restore soft tissue and bone loss as a result of periodontal disease. |
If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, it is important that you get treatment right away. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, contact Oak Park Dental at (971) 600-0211 today.
Learn More About Periodontal Disease:
| • | What Is Periodontal or Gum Disease
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| • | Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
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| • | Periodontal Disease Treatment
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| • | Periodontal Disease Maintenance |
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. The treatment methods that our dentists diagnose will depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential for helping to keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious.
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