About Periodontal Disease

Most people are well-informed about tooth decay. We know that brushing our teeth and limiting our intake of sweets are important to prevent tooth decay.

However, many individuals are surprised to learn that more teeth are lost to periodontal disease than tooth decay.

While public awareness of gum disease is increasing, general knowledge of the most severe periodontal disease, periodontitis, is limited.

Despite widespread awareness about the importance of preventing gingivitis, it is significant that the chief cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontitis, not gingivitis.

Advanced gum disease progresses from initial stages like gingivitis to more severe forms such as periodontitis, emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent serious health issues, including tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment Philadelphia Dentist

Gum disease, often called the “silent disease,” is one of the most common dental problems in adults today.

Statistics show that 3 out of 4 Americans are suffering from some degree of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, in most cases, they are unaware that they have this gum condition until they visit Dr. Yurovsky.

Periodontal disease is a potentially serious gum condition in which severe pain and inflammation are inflicted on the gum tissue and bone.

In more severe cases, tooth loss can occur; routine dental care is an essential preventative measure for keeping healthy teeth and gums, allowing Dr. Yurovsky to spot potential health concerns in the early stages of development.

Aside from the dental health damage that periodontal disease inflicts onto the oral cavity—gum recession and tooth loss—other serious medical problems are associated with the contraction of this disease.

Research has shown that the same bacteria present in this gum condition can make its way into the bloodstream and journey to other parts of the body.

As a result, these bacteria have been connected to health conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. Untreated gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, highlighting the importance of addressing gum disease for overall health.

As ongoing research defines how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, oral health maintenance remains essential. Periodontal health is a critical component of a healthy body.

What Is an "Ongoing Infection?"

Have you ever experienced a splinter embedded beneath the skin of your hand? Since the wound is open to bacteria, the site may become infected, red, swollen, and inflamed.

However, in time, your immune system fights off the bacteria, and your hand heals.

During an Ongoing Infection, however, your immune system cannot conquer the bacteria on its own, so the pain and redness continue to worsen.

Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection affecting the pockets that surround your teeth. You cannot fight off this bacterial infection alone.

Still, with periodontal therapy, we can remove debris and bacteria from the site, treating gum disease and allowing the gums to heal as your hand did.

What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?

People with periodontal disease have a low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This results in an ongoing higher risk of gum infection that grows in “bursts” of activity.

Each time it grows, more and more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors which may result in a “burst” of activity include:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Dental plaque
3. Smoking
4. Stress or tension
5. Genetic factors
6. Age
7. Diet
8. Illness

Persistent bad breath is also a significant warning sign of gum disease and should not be overlooked.

Getting Gum Disease Treated Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity or signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend gum disease treatment and that you see a Periodontist.

Scaling and Root Planing is a deep-cleaning technique that helps eliminate tartar and rough regions on the tooth root where bacteria tend to collect.

Symptoms of Bleeding Gums

Periodontal infection is Usually Painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms that may indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

1. Redness or swelling of the gums.
2. Bleeding gums when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
3. Aching, itchy, sore, or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
6. Bad breath
7. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
8. Any change in the fit of partial dentures
9. Separating, protruding, loose teeth
10. Spaces between teeth

Periodontal infection can also affect bone tissue and tooth roots, leading to further complications if not treated promptly.

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please get in touch with your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.