Periodontics
You may have experienced inflammation or bleeding in your gums every now and then. A gum inflammation such as gingivitis usually doesn’t cause major problems at first; however, it may spread, causing damage to the soft tissue and bone that make up our teeth structure.
About Periodontics
Causes of Periodontitis (or gum disease)?
Periodontal disease is a gum disease that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Over time, patients will see the loss of the structures supporting teeth, such as gum recession and bone loss. Periodontitis can eventually cause teeth to loosen and shift.
Symptoms of Periodontitis?
How can you tell if your oral health is being managed properly? If you do not take care of your teeth, or if you have a condition that makes periodontal disease more common, then you may notice any of the following symptoms in your teeth.
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Swelling in the gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Teeth that shift in the mouth
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Pockets forming between the teeth & gums
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Bleeding while brushing & flossing
If you notice any issues with your teeth, then visiting Dr. Richardson and Dr. Townsley at Townsley Family Dentistry can make it possible to address these problems before they worsen.
Treatments for Periodontitis?
Treatment can depend on the severity of the disease and the location. Of course, the best treatment is prevention. Steps you can take to prevent periodontal disease include brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings to remove plaque deposits near the gum line. However, this is only effective in the early stages of gum disease. Once the symptoms have become more severe, your dentist will need to use other methods to treat the disease. After your exam, our dentist can help create a plan for properly treating your oral health.