Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. Everyone can act in various ways to help prevent periodontitis.
Periodontitis is one of the most common problems people experience with their oral health. It is a type of periodontal disease, which is a disease affecting the structures around the teeth, including gums. Early stages of periodontal disease are called gingivitis and may also be known as infected gums, or gum disease. Other tissues may be affected if the infection is more severe.
What causes periodontitis?
Periodontitis is caused by a build up of bacteria, which is known as plaque. Plaque builds up over time and will eventually lead to tartar forming on the teeth. This causes plaque to grow closer to the tooth roots and will lead to periodontal pockets of bacteria.
How do I know if I have periodontitis?
Signs of periodontitis include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Teeth that move out of place
- Swollen, red gums
- Sore gums
How is periodontitis treated?
Periodontitis needs to be treated by a qualified dentist. There are several methods of treatment that you might undergo, depending on the severity of periodontal disease. These are the most common types of treatment:
- Professional cleaning. A dentist or oral hygienist will perform a thorough clean right down into the gums to remove soft deposits on the teeth.
- Antibiotics. If you have a severe gum infection, you may also be given a course of antibiotics.
- Surgical treatment. You may need to undergo surgery to clean underneath the gums and close to the root surfaces.
How can periodontitis and periodontal disease be avoided in future?
Treatment will usually be able to stop periodontitis, however it’s important to prevent it coming back. One of the best things you can do is visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for a professional clean. Once your periodontal disease is under control, they will also be able to show you how to brush your teeth and use floss effectively to prevent it coming back.
