Causes of Periodontitis and how to treat it

Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to the tooth becoming loosened or even teeth loss if left untreated.

Periodontitis is now very common among people and usually results from poor oral hygiene that allows the formation of plaque inside the mouth. The chances of developing periodontitis can be reduced by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups. However, genetics, too, can sometimes lead to the development of periodontitis. 

Symptoms of periodontitis

The symptoms of periodontitis can include:

• Swollen gums
• Bright red, dusky red, or purplish gums
• Tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily, or when brushing or flossing teeth
• Bad breath
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• New spaces developing between teeth
• Receding gums
• A change in bite

Risk factors

Several factors trigger the risk of periodontitis, that include:

• Gingivitis
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Hormonal changes or genetics
• Use of drugs
• Obesity
• Inadequate nutrition
• Certain medications 
• Certain medical conditions and diseases like HIV, leukemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease

Prevention and treatment

The best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a good oral hygiene program. Brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice daily. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the food particles and bacteria stuck in between your teeth. Also, see your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually every six months. 

Our expert dentists at Corvallis Dental Health treats your periodontitis with one, or a combination of, any of the following types of treatments:

Scaling and root planing
They work well if you have a milder case of periodontitis. These methods are used to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria through a deep cleaning process concentrating on tooth roots. 

Laser Treatment
LANAP Laser encourages the gums to reattach to the tooth and offers a less painful, more successful treatment for periodontitis.

Gum Grafting
A gum grafting surgery may be needed to treat severe cases of periodontitis to repair their gums and cure the infection.

If you doubt that you have any of these symptoms, call us and book an appointment with our dentist to have a dental examination.