Is Periodontitis a Gum Disease?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. It is a serious infection that can damage the hard and soft structures that support teeth and hold them in place. This can lead to teeth coming loose and eventually falling out.

Gum disease is one of the most common oral issues that dentists deal with, but it is also one of the easiest to prevent. Gum disease is often the result of inadequate oral hygiene. The first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least two times daily, brushing once a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep oral bacteria under control.

Figuring out if you have gum disease

Gums have a pink coloration and a firm texture that fits snugly around teeth when healthy. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that let you know you might have gum disease:

• Gums that bleed when stimulated
• Purplish or bright red gums
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Pus coming from the spaces between gums and teeth
• Tender gums
• Pain when chewing
• Loose teeth
• New spaces developing between teeth
• Receding gums
• Change in your bite

Periodontitis often counts as a dental emergency since not getting the necessary treatment can have a significant impact on a person's dental and overall health. Treatment usually starts with the dentist going over the patient's medical history and going over any external factors that might be contributing to the patient's condition, like smoking or medications that dry out the mouth.

The dentist will also examine the patient's mouth looking for signs of plaque and tartar buildup. The depth of the patient's gum pockets will be measured by inserting a probe into them. Abnormally deep pockets are usually an indication of a gum infection.

X-rays might also be taken to evaluate any bone loss that has taken place. This is typically done if the patient has deep gum pockets.

Treating gum disease

The primary goal of many treatments used to address gum disease is to clean out any pockets discovered and to prevent the infection from damaging bone structures that hold teeth in place. The patient's odds of successful treatment go up if they start practicing good oral hygiene to complement the treatments they are receiving.

Popular treatments used to treat periodontitis include:

• Scaling: This involves removing tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces above and below the gums
• Root planing: This is used to smooth out teeth surfaces, making it harder for tartar and bacteria to stick to teeth
• Antibiotics: Oral or topical antibiotics can be used to treat a bacterial infection. Oral antibiotics are often the more effective option
• Pocket reduction surgery: This involves pulling back the gums so teeth roots can be effectively cleaned. It might also involve re-contouring supporting bone structures before suturing back the gum tissues

Get treatment for gum disease

Contact our Trophy Club clinic today to learn more about your treatment options when it comes to dealing with periodontitis.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

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