In most cases of periodontal disease, the symptoms are subtle and there may be few warning signs. It is easy for patients to be completely unaware that they have periodontal disease since it is usually painless and symptoms often go undetected. Gums that are red or swollen, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, bone loss, loose teeth and the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth are the main symptoms of periodontal disease.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Controlling the infection, preventing the disease from progressing further and reducing the depth of pockets are the primary treatment goals of periodontal disease. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the infection and the advancement of the disease.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease that can be performed by a periodontist. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the gums while root planing smoothes the root of the tooth and removes bacteria. Bone surgery, pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts and tissue regeneration are the main surgical procedures for periodontal disease. These treatments are only considered when the disease has reached an advanced stage and non-surgical methods would be ineffective.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Techniques that remove plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth are essential to preventing periodontal disease. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and receiving a professional dental cleaning twice a year. Rinsing the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash can help to reduce bacteria within the mouth.
Smokers are at a significantly greater risk for periodontal disease and can decrease the effectiveness of treatment. For this reason, it is recommended that smokers quit smoking to reduce their risk of developing periodontal disease.
