Periodontal disease develops when gingivitis is not treated. Periodontitis causes the gums and bone to detach from the tooth root. It is a more aggressive disease that damages the gums and can destroy the jawbone. It can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that stay on the teeth and gums. The symptoms of periodontitis depend on the stage of the disease and are often not noticeable in the earlier stages.
People with periodontitis suffer from receding gums, swollen or red gums, bad breath, a foul taste in the mouth, and pain while chewing food. They also experience changes in the position of their teeth and inflammatory responses throughout the body.
Causes of Periodontitis
Poor oral hygiene is the central factor leading to periodontitis. Those places that are hard to reach in the mouth should also be cleaned properly to avoid bacteria. Bacteria build up on the teeth if cleaning is not done properly.
Bacteria multiply and form a dental substance known as plaque. The bacteria deposit minerals within the plaque over time if it is not removed by brushing. Tartar is the mineral deposit and it will encourage the growth of more bacteria towards the root of the tooth. This leads to inflammation in the gums as the body’s immune response.
A periodontal pocket is formed between the gum and root as the attachment of the gum and root of the tooth is disrupted. Harmful bacteria multiply in the pocket and release toxins. This damages the gums, teeth, and supporting bone structures.
One of the major risk factors for periodontitis is smoking. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, genetics, and poor nutrition also lead to the formation of gum disease. Certain medications reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth and lead to dry mouth. This eventually results in periodontitis.
How Is Periodontitis Diagnosed?
During the routine dental examination, the dentist will be able to detect signs of periodontitis. They monitor the status of the disease to prevent it from getting worse. For this reason, regular dental visits to the dentist are important.
To measure the pockets on the gums, the dentist uses probes. The dentist removes plaque and tartar found on the teeth as part of professional cleaning.
Schedule an appointment with Lincolnway Dental Center if you notice any symptoms of periodontitis. Walk into 648 North Randall Road, Aurora, IL 60506. Contact us at (630) 897-1300 or visit our website for more information.