Everything You Need to Know About Periodontitis

At Langley’s Dental Centre, we get a lot of questions about periodontitis from our clients. So we thought it might be helpful to create this article that will hopefully clear up any questions and misunderstandings you might have about this particular affliction and the appropriate treatment.

So what exactly is periodontitis?

Basically, periodontitis is a fancy name for gum infection. More commonly known as gum disease, periodontitis is nothing to joke about, as it involves serious infection and can, in time, lead to permanent damage inside your mouth. Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the bones in your mouth and jaw, and leave you in need of serious dental intervention.

Who gets periodontitis?

Pretty much anyone can get periodontitis, regardless of sex and age, as it’s a widely common affliction. However, people who indulge in poor oral hygiene have a higher risk of developing it, so maintaining good oral hygiene practices can go a long way in preventing the development of periodontitis.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

Wondering how you can tell if you’re suffering from periodontitis? Easy, we’ve got a list of symptoms here that might alert you to the presence of gum disease.

• Bright red gums – one of the most common signs of gum disease, although periodontitis can also cause your gums to appear dusty or even purple;
• Blood during brushing or flossing – another common sign that there’s something wrong with your gums. Blood during brushing or flossing shouldn’t be ignored and you should consult a dental professional as soon as possible;
• Bad breath – although bad breath can have lots of causes, it can also signify gum disease, so if the issue persists, seek medical help;
• Tender or puffy gums – basically, if you experience any discomfort when touching your gums, or if they feel tender or swollen at all, this is a sign of trouble;
• Pus between your teeth – pus is a particularly nasty symptom of gum disease, and should be checked out immediately.

Of course, the above symptoms can also indicate the presence of other dental issues, which is why your best bet would be to get your teeth checked by a dental professional. Only qualified professionals can determine the nature of your affliction, and the appropriate treatment.

 

What causes periodontitis?

The reason why you brush your teeth is to prevent the accumulation of plaque. If enough accumulates, plaque can turn into bacteria-filled tartar, which can’t beremoved with a mere toothbrush, and requires a qualified dental professional.

Basically, periodontitis and other gum problems appear when tartar and the ensuing bacteria have been left on the teeth too long, and have damaged the surrounding gum tissue.

 

What is the treatment for periodontitis?

Of course, the specific treatment can only be determined by a dentist, but common treatments include medication, cleanings, and even surgical intervention. After periodontitis is healed, your dentist will advise you on better oral practices.

Think you might be suffering from periodontitis? Give us a call at Lanley’s Dental Centre now!