Crucial Things You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease
Often referred to as gum disease, periodontitis is a prevalent dental condition that affects the gums and the jawbone. Typically, periodontal disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. It is a “silent killer,” and most people don’t even know they have it until it is too late. Luckily, it can still be treated if diagnosed early and save you from losing your natural tooth. In this blog, we will discuss gum disease in detail, hoping the information will help you understand the right time to seek treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is often hard to identify. In fact, most signs only start to show up after the infection has eaten away a significant part of the bone and destroyed gum tissues. However, there are some early signs you could be on the lookout for, and visit the dentist ASAP when you notice them. They include:
- Pus between teeth and gums.
- Teeth failing to fit together as they’ve always done
- Swollen and bleeding gums.
- Pain while chewing
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, causing receding gums.
- A tender feel on the gums
- Teeth becoming loose.
- Unexplained spaces between your teeth.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist ASAP. We are here for you if you are looking for periodontal treatment near you in Venice. Dr. Scott Thompson is an experienced dentist and you can count on him for the best services and treatment.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Typically, gum disease is caused by plaque buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene. You can avoid the buildup by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, floss every night, and use mouthwash whenever possible.
However, these three things are not always enough. You still need to visit the dentist at least two times in 12 months for professional cleanings, exams, and diagnosis. The dentist gets rid of any plaque your toothbrush could not eliminate.
If plaque is left for far too long on your teeth, it develops into something we refer to as tartar. Tartar is tougher to remove, and it increases the risk of gingivitis. With time, gingivitis progresses to gum disease.
If left untreated, gum disease affects the gum tissue and jawbone, making a tooth lose. In the end, the tooth falls off. Gum disease can lead to the loss of more than one tooth if it is not attended to as soon as possible. That’s why it is crucial to visit the dentist at least once every six months for cleanings and checkups. We are here for you if you are looking for gum disease treatments in Venice, FL.
Periodontitis Risk Factors
While gum disease affects people of all ages and genders, some people are at a higher risk than others. Here are some factors that put some at a higher risk than others:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco and its products
- Smoking bhang and other recreational drugs
- Maintaining poor oral hygiene
- Genetics: Typically, people from families with many cases of gum disease are at a higher risk.
- Vitamin C deficiency.
- Medications causing dry mouth.
- Some chronic infections such as diabetes and arthritis
- Infections affecting the immunity, such as HIV/AIDS
- Cancer treatments
- Obesity
If you are at a higher risk of gum disease, it is advisable to visit the dentist even more often. If possible, visit him every three months.
Periodontal Treatment Cost
Typically, the cost of treatment will depend on the level of damage the periodontal disease has caused.
If your infection is at its early stages, the dentist will probably only need to deep clean your teeth and you will be good to go. If that’s the case, it will probably not cost you much. If the infection has spread and the dentist has to use advanced measures such as root canal treatment to save your tooth, it might cost you slightly higher.
The only way to know the cost of treatment is by booking an appointment with a dentist near you and discussing it. We are here for you even if you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Venice, FL.
Tarpon Shores Dental
Talk to us if you need gum disease treatment in Venice, FL. Our dentist is well experienced, and you will notice a great difference between periodontal treatment and after treatment. Book an appointment now and let us help you.