Periodontal
The CDC estimates that about four out of every 10 adults in the United States suffers from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This term is a broad one that covers a wide range of conditions, all affecting the gum and bone surrounding the teeth. The underlying inflammation of gum disease is linked to several non-dental health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. If you have problems with your gums, Valerin Dental offers effective treatments to help you reclaim your health.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease refers to any inflammatory condition of the gums. While it can have multiple causes, this is most typically due to bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria damage the gum tissues and bone, which can create serious problems. Typically, a person develops periodontal disease when food and bacteria accumulate on the surface of the teeth near the gum line, where it forms plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it builds up and turns into tartar, and tartar causes inflammation of the gums.
Some patients with periodontal disease will notice red, inflamed gum tissue or gums that easily bleed. Others may notice a receding gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can spread to the bones surrounding the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other oral health concerns. It can also spread to other areas of the body, creating systemic health conditions.
While some cases of gum disease cause obvious issues, like pain, sometimes it goes unnoticed by the patient. Your dentist needs to perform regular checkups to spot signs of gum disease that you don’t notice. Regular dental checkups, every six months if possible, will help you catch gum disease clearly when it is easy to treat.
Complications from Periodontal Disease
If left untreated, periodontal disease will continue to progress and worsen. When that happens, you may experience oral health concerns, such as:
- Tooth loss
- Swollen, red gums
- Chronic bad breath
In addition, periodontal disease is directly linked to several serious health conditions, though which one causes the other is not always clear. If you have gum disease, you may also have:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis and similar inflammatory conditions
Finally, having advanced gum disease puts you at a higher risk of developing specific types of cancer, including lung cancer.
While that is a dire picture, it shows why periodontal care is so important. Thankfully, with proper dental care and early diagnosis of periodontal disease, you can take back your oral health.
How We Treat Periodontal Disease
Valerin Dental Group offers several treatment options for periodontal disease. The best treatment for you will depend on multiple factors. Scaling and root planning can often remove the underlying tartar buildup that is contributing to poor gum health. We also offer crown-lengthening surgery or dental implants for severe cases. Periodontal plastic surgery, laser treatment, and gum grafting are all popular choices as well.
Stay on Top of Gum Disease with Regular Checkups and Cleanings
While there are treatments for periodontal disease, the best treatment is prevention. That’s why Valerin Dental Group highly recommends routine cleanings every six months. At your cleaning, we will also assess the health of your mouth and make recommendations to help you take control of your oral health so you can prevent periodontal disease from getting worse.
If you suspect you have gum disease, or if your dentist has told you that you do, then reach out to Valerin Dental Group to discuss potential treatments. With the right oral therapies, you can restore your oral health and protect your teeth, gums, and bone tissue. Contact our Peoria dental team today to schedule a cleaning or periodontal disease therapy appointment.
