A periodontist specializes in gum disease treatment as well as the placement of dental implants. We can perform a variety of effective cleaning procedures including scaling and root planing. If necessary, we will also prescribe an antibiotic and antifungal medication to treat any infection and help to halt the disease’s progression.
It is crucial to prevent gum and periodontal disease to have outstanding oral health and preserve your teeth. By addressing the causes of gum disease and discussing them with our dentist, you can better prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of gum disease.
There are many different types of gum disease, and all types vary by the way they present themselves and the treatments necessary to control the disease’s progression and save gum tissue, bone, and teeth. Here are a few of the most common types of periodontal disease as well as the common treatments of these types of gum diseases.
Gingivitis
This is both the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease. This is caused when plaque toxins lead to gum disease. Those at increased risk of gingivitis include pregnant women, women on birth control pills, those with uncontrolled diabetes, steroid users, and those who control their seizures and blood pressure using medications. Treatment: Gingivitis is an easily reversible gum disease with a combination of home care and professional cleaning. We may perform root planing and deep scaling procedures in order to cleanse pockets of debris. We may also use a combination of antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes to kill any remaining bacteria and promote healing in the pockets.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
Chronic periodontal disease is the most common form of the disease in people over 45. It is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of gingival and bone tissue. It may appear that teeth are growing in length, but what’s really happening is the gums are gradually recessing. Treatment: Chronic periodontal disease cannot be completely cured because there is no way to rebuild the supportive tissue. However, if you are diagnosed with this, we can control the progression of the disease using scaling and root planing procedures combined with antimicrobial treatments. If it becomes necessary, our dentist can also perform surgical treatments including pocket reduction surgery.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
If you have aggressive periodontal disease, it is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment, bone tissue, and familial aggregation. It is essentially the same as chronic periodontal disease, however, its progression happens much faster. Those who smoke and those with a family history of the disease are at increased risk. Treatment: The treatment here is the same as for chronic periodontal disease, however, sufferers are more likely to need surgical intervention to control this disease’s progression. It is harder to control and treat, but we will perform scaling, antimicrobial, and root planing to save bone and tissue.
Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions
Sometimes gum disease can be a symptom of another disease or condition. Depending upon what this condition is, periodontal disease can be aggressive, working quickly to destroy the tissue in your mouth. Heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease are the most common conditions, though many others can be comorbid with gum disease. Even in cases where there is barely any plaque coating the teeth, there are many medical conditions that intensify and quicken the progression of gum disease. Treatment: The medical condition causing the onset of periodontal disease must first be controlled, then we can control the progression using the same treatments used for chronic and aggressive forms of periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
This form of periodontal disease is extremely rare. It rapidly worsens and is most prevalent among populations suffering from HIV, malnutrition, immunosuppression, or chronic stress as well as those who choose to smoke. Tissue death affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues, and alveolar bone. Treatment: Should we detect this type of gum disease in your mouth, we will consult with your physician before beginning treatment. Antibiotic pills, scaling, root planing, medicated mouthwash, and fungicidal medicines are all used to combat this form of gum disease.
There is a variety of genetic and environmental factors involved in the onset of periodontal disease. The risk factors can be significantly lowered with preventive care and home dental care measures. The most common causes of gum disease include:
Poor Dental Hygiene
Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet go a long way toward preventing gum disease. Regular dental visits are also important. Obtaining a combination of regular dental care and excellent home care will help to provide for healthy gums and bones.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are some of the largest contributing factors in the development of gum disease and its progression. Not only do smokers heal slower, but also they suffer from tartar build-up, pockets in gingival tissue, and bone loss in greater numbers.
Genetic Predisposition
Up to 30% of the population may have a strong genetic predisposition to gum disease. Such individuals are six times more likely to develop gum disease than those with no genetic predisposition.
Pregnancy and Menopause
Hormonal changes experienced by the body during these two life stages can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive, making such individuals more susceptible to gum disease.
Chronic Stress and Poor Diet
When you experience stress, it makes it harder for your body’s immune system to fight disease, meaning you’re more susceptible to bacterial infections. Poor diet and malnutrition can also lower the body’s ability to fight periodontal infections.
Diabetes and Underlying Medical Issues
There are many medical concerns that intensify or accelerate the onset and progression of gum disease including respiratory disease, heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. Diabetes, in particular, creates creates problems with the body’s ability to utilize insulin, making a bacterial infection in the gums more difficult to control and cure.
Grinding Teeth
When you clench or grind your teeth, it can cause all kinds of problems including wearing down tooth structure. When suffering from gum disease already, grinding can accelerate its progression.
Medication
Many medications, including oral contraceptive pills, heart medicines, anti-depressants, and steroids, make your teeth more susceptible to gum disease.