Among the types of periodontal diseases there are two that are most common:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. In its early stages, symptoms may include:
- gums that bleed easily
- red, swollen, tender gums.
- bad breath
In most cases, however, gingivitis is usually painless. This is why it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups in addition to maintaining a good dental routine of brushing and flossing.
At this stage, the disease is still reversible. Eliminating the infection can be as simple as daily brushing and flossing and a professional cleaning at the dental office.
Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.
Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:
- gums that bleed easily
- red, swollen, tender gums.
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
- persistent bad breath or bad taste
- permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- any change in the fit of partial dentures
Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. Some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and pre-term low birth weight babies.
It is also possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious with time.
Scaling and root planing is a type of cleaning performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to treat Periodontitis.
Scaling is when we remove all the plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. We will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic. Antibiotic gels are used along with root planning to treat periodontal disease.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call Layton Lakes Dental for an appointment. Dr S can assess your situation and create a plan to treat your tooth and gum disease.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (480) 306-5506.