If you are like many out there, you probably do not know much about periodontitis. It is a disease that affects the gums and bones around the teeth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about periodontitis!
What Is Periodontitis and Its Causes?
Periodontitis is a type of severe gum-related infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis usually occurs slowly, and symptoms may not appear until the disease is in its advanced stages. If not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by the formation and accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it turns into tartar, a complex deposit to remove. Tartar irritates your gums and causes them to become inflamed. The inflammation triggers your body's immune system to attack the bacteria. This fight between the bacteria and your immune system damages the gums and bone around your teeth. You are more likely to develop this gum condition if you have certain risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, or pregnancy. You can also inherit a tendency to develop periodontitis from your parents.
Prevention and Treatments
The best way to steer clear of this is to practice good oral hygiene. It means brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing, and using mouthwash. Also, visit your dentist regularly to get professional cleanings and checkups. If you already have periodontitis, treatments are available to help control the disease and prevent further damage. These treatments include scaling and root planing, which involves removing tartar from your teeth and smoothing the roots to prevent bacteria from collecting there again. You need to take prescribed antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore damage caused by periodontitis.
It can be a severe disease, but it is preventable and treatable. By practicing good oral hygiene and seeing our dentist regularly, you can help keep periodontitis at bay.
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If you are like many out there, you probably do not know much about periodontitis. It is a disease that affects the gums and bones around the teeth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about periodontitis! 