Many patients do not realize that their oral health is strongly connected to the overall health of their bodies. Dentistry actually focuses not only on promoting oral health but also on a patient's general health by striving to prevent or manage periodontal disease which can impact the entire body.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums.

The Four Stages of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis - The first stage is the only reversible stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is marked by red, swollen gums that might bleed during brushing or flossing.
2. Mild Periodontitis - In the second stage, the bacterial infection has extended below the gum line and reached the periodontal ligaments and bones. Patients begin to experience gum recession and the beginnings of tissue degeneration.
3. Moderate Periodontitis - The third stage is marked by a more severe infection. Patients experience pain and sensitivity and have pus around the gum line.
4. Advanced Periodontitis - The bone tissue and ligaments supporting the teeth continue to degenerate, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Early gingivitis can sometimes be asymptomatic. Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus in the gum tissue

Periodontal Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Periodontal disease most commonly develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth, they push the gums away from the teeth, creating pockets where harmful bacteria thrive.

Anyone can develop periodontal disease, but additional risk factors for periodontal disease include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Tobacco use of any kind
• Certain pharmaceuticals
• Bruxism (clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth)
• Genetic predisposition

How We Manage and Treat Periodontal Disease

The approach we take to treating and managing gum disease depends on the patient's case and stage of periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease and Addressing Gingivitis

We focus on gum disease prevention for all of our patients with comprehensive preventative dentistry (routine dental cleanings) and personalized oral hygiene recommendations.

For patients with gingivitis, we focus on eliminating harmful bacteria while improving oral hygiene to reverse gingivitis and prevent the development of chronic periodontal disease. The treatments we recommend to address gingivitis will depend on the patient, their medical history, and any potential risk factors. Treatment recommendations might include more frequent professional cleanings and examinations, antibacterial rinses or trays, and additional at-home oral hygiene recommendations such as the use of prescription toothpaste, mouthwash, and a water flosser.

Managing Periodontitis and Restorative Dentistry

Once periodontal disease has developed, it cannot be reversed. For patients with periodontitis, our treatment recommendations will vary based on the patient's needs and the severity of the infection. In addition to more frequent professional dental cleanings, treatments for managing periodontitis include:

• Antibiotics - Antibiotics are typically prescribed to help address more advanced periodontal disease. These antibiotics may be administered orally or applied via a rinse or gel.
• Scaling and Root Planing - In a scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist uses special tools to deeply clean the surfaces of the teeth and roots above and below the gum line. The roots are then smoothed to eliminate pockets and rough surfaces where bacteria thrive.
• Gingivectomy - A gingivectomy refers to a variety of different oral surgeries that are intended to remove dead and diseased soft tissues in addition to flushing bacteria from the tooth structures located below the gum line.
• Soft Tissue Grafting - For patients who have lost significant gum tissue to infection, a soft tissue graft can help regenerate the gum line.
• Bone Grafting - When bone degeneration has occurred as a result of infection, a variety of bone grafting or augmentation procedures can be performed to restore the patient's bone structure.
• Tooth Extraction - When bacteria harm the periodontal ligaments and jawbone that support the patient's natural teeth, tooth extraction might be necessary.

Each patient's recommended treatment plan is based on a variety of factors such as the severity of gum disease, general health, lifestyle, and previous treatments.

Why Periodontal Treatment Is Essential

Periodontal disease can cause general inflammation throughout the body. The harmful bacteria infecting the gum tissues can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the entire system. As a result, gum disease is strongly linked to several serious systemic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, chronic respiratory infections, certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and reproductive health issues.

Get Healthier Gums and a Healthier Body With Our Dentist in Leander, Texas

If you experience the signs or symptoms of gum disease or are in a high-risk category, professional dental care is essential to safeguarding your oral health and your general well-being. Our dentist in Leander, Texas provides patients with comprehensive periodontal care designed to address gum disease in each stage. We welcome you to contact our dental office to request a gum disease consultation today.

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