We have all heard the statistics. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, roughly half of the adults in the United States have some form of gum/periodontal disease. That’s certainly a daunting figure. So the big question is, “Do I have it?” Let’s go ahead and dive into the dirty details.
Periodontal disease occurs when the plaque on your teeth hardens and turns into tartar. This hardened plaque material irritates your gums and can cause the gums to become inflamed. You may have heard of this early stage of gum disease; it is called gingivitis. If your dentist or dental hygienist tells you that you have gingivitis, don’t panic. It can be reversed with a rigorous brushing and flossing routine.
If gone unnoticed or uncared for, gingivitis can quickly elevate to periodontal disease. During this stage, the gums become extremely red, swollen, and inflamed. The gums will separate from the teeth and create pockets between the gums and teeth that are ideal for bacteria to grow and develop.
These bacteria can then begin to affect your teeth, jaw, and bones, which can lead to loss of teeth.
We recommend going straight to your dentist if you notice red, swollen or inflamed gums. During your bi-annual cleaning, your hygienist will be able to tell you if you are at risk, and if so, what steps you need to take.
In order to treat periodontal disease, your dentist will have to first take an X-ray. This allows him or her to get a comprehensive view of your teeth and gums. Subsequently, you may have to be referred to a periodontist. Thankfully, Victory Dental Group offers in-house gum disease treatment, so there is no referral necessary. Each case will require a different course of treatment depending on severity of the case. Treatment can vary from something as simple as brushing and flossing, to something more serious such as root-treatment and prescription medication.
If you think you may have an early form of gum disease, give us a call at 719.473.9222. Don’t forget to brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent gum disease and achieve overall optimum oral health.