The Toothache That Changed My Life

Do you have gums that bleed a lot and are tender? It is in your best interest to make a prompt dentist appointment to find out if periodontal disease is the root cause of the problem. Periodontal disease can actually cause numerous health problems if it becomes severe from not being treated. This article contains the answers to some of the questions that you might have concerning periodontal disease.

How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

The root cause of periodontal disease is an accumulation of plaque on your teeth and gums. It is the bacteria in plaque that causes the disease to develop, as it inflames gum tissue. It is possible that you have not been removing all of the plaque on your teeth when brushing, such as not being able to clean between close spaces.

What Kind of Symptoms Might Be Experienced?

If you suffer from bad breath no matter how often you brush your teeth, it is a sign of periodontal disease. The odor likely stems from hardened plaque being on your teeth and under your gums. You might also have a few loose teeth if periodontal disease is present, which is caused from jawbones becoming weak. Another symptom of periodontal disease is receding gums. Your teeth can appear longer than they should as your gums begin to recede.

When Does Periodontal Disease Become Severe?

Periodontal disease begins as a minor gum infection called gingivitis. However, going long periods without treatment can lead to periodontitis and cause severe complications. When periodontitis develops, it becomes easy for bacteria to get into your bloodstream through gum tissue and cause numerous health problems. For instance, the bacteria can enter the arteries of your heart and cause you to have a heart attack. You would also be at risk for respiratory problems and a stroke.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

There is no specific type of treatment for periodontal disease, as it will depend on how far it has progressed for your specific case. If you are only suffering from gingivitis, it is possible that the dentist will only need to clean your teeth and give you a prescription for antibiotics. However, in the case of periodontitis, treatment might include removing hardened plaque via scaling and root planing. You might also need to get loose teeth extracted. Visit a dentist or periodontal specialists so they can examine your mouth and find out if you need to be treated for periodontal disease.