Dental health is very essential, and keeping up requires being knowledgeable about common illnesses you might get. Today, you will learn about periodontal disease, why it is a popular dental health issue, and how you can treat it.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental health issues, specifically because of its ability to run in families. Periodontal disease is caused when plaque forms under your gums. Bacteria hide in this film, and when it gets underneath your gums, it starts to irritate the tissue and bone around your teeth. This condition is also called gum disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

The only way to know if you have it is to have your dentist or dental hygienist check. The symptoms of this disease include:

• The tissue around your teeth appears red
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
• You experience bad breath
• Your teeth become loose, or you notice a change in the way they fit together

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The bacteria in plaque are what cause it. After getting underneath your gum line, the bacteria start to irritate the tissue and bone around your teeth. This is why regular dental checkups and visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams are so important.

What Are the Four Stages of Periodontal Disease?

There are four stages to this dental health issue, and they are as follows:

Inflammation

During the first stage, the infection causes the gums to become red. This is a good time to visit your trusted oral clinic if you think it is periodontal disease, because it is easier to treat at this stage.

Early Periodontal Disease

During this stage, your gums and jawbone begin to lose bone tissue. Your teeth begin to shift, and the gums pull away from the teeth. Make sure to visit your dentist right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

During this stage, any teeth that were loose in the previous stage start to fall out of your mouth. The remaining teeth will be loose and will start to shift.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Some of your bones will be destroyed. The rest of your teeth may fall out too. You will notice that your teeth are loose.

Is Periodontal Disease Reversible?

Your dentist or dental hygienist can save your teeth if you catch this disease early enough. If you wait too long, you will need to have your teeth removed and implants put in their place.

How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

Since periodontal disease is a bacterial disease, it needs antibiotics to be treated. Your dentist will either prescribe antibiotics, or he will clean and treat your gums to try and get rid of the infection.

The antibiotics will not reach all of the bacteria, so you will also have to learn how to take care of your teeth and gums. You will have to:

• Floss every day
• Brush your teeth, and use a special brush that is meant for people with periodontal disease
• Use mouthwash
• Avoid smoking
• See your dentist for regular checkups

The first stage, inflammation, is the easiest to treat. The other stages require more aggressive dental care.

How Long Will It Take To Completely Heal Periodontal Disease?

It takes a while, but periodontal disease can be completely healed. It takes a treatment plan to completely heal it, and it could take anywhere from six months to three years to remove all of the bacteria and get your teeth back to normal.

Final Thoughts

Periodontal disease is usually treatable and reversible. If you take good care of your teeth, you will be able to avoid it. If you have it, and it goes untreated, you will need to have your teeth removed and replaced. Your professional dentist in Arizona is the best person to tell you what you need to do to prevent or treat periodontal disease.

For your dental health needs, contact CFF Dental today. As the leading dental clinic in Arizona, we can link you with a professional dentist on our team to address your oral health concerns, including treatment for periodontal disease. Call us at 520-795-3418 to schedule an appointment.