What to Know About Periodontal Disease

Gum Disease lilburn gaPeriodontal disease is a common dental condition that affects one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over. That’s no small amount. In fact, periodontal disease- also known as gum disease- is the principle cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world. But gum disease is more than just a serious threat to your teeth!  Doctors have associated periodontal disease with increased risk of Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and more! If you’d like to know more about the symptoms of periodontal disease, read on. You might be living with a few of them yourself. Dr. Harry McCool, an experienced dentist in Lilburn GA wants to educate patients about the signs and risks of periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal means “around the tooth” in Greek.  Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissues surrounding your teeth and can spread into the roots of your teeth and even the jawbone that anchors the teeth in place. It begins with bacteria in the mouth, and, if untreated, can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The primary cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in our mouths being allowed to spread unchecked. These bacteria bond with mucus and food particles to form plaque on our teeth. When we brush and floss properly, we clear away the plaque before it can harden and cause problems.  The plaque that hardens is called tartar and must be removed by a dentist.

To destroy the bacteria, our immune systems release defensive cells that inflame tissue around the teeth. As our irritated gums swell, they pull away from the teeth creating tiny pockets that allow more bacteria to settle in, destabilizing the teeth. Eventually, this allows decay to set in below the gum line and even infect the roots.

Other factors that could lead to periodontal disease include:

  • Smoking/tobacco use
  • Hormonal changes (from puberty, pregnancy, or menopause)
  • Certain illnesses
  • Genetics
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress
  • Clenching or grinding teeth

Stages Of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums without loss of bone.  This early stage is mild and reversible with proper treatment. Fortunately, not all gingivitis leads to periodontitis. At this stage plaque has built up on teeth and gum tissue has become inflamed, but teeth are still firmly embedded in sockets. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it will surely lead to gum disease.

Full-fledged periodontal disease exists when the destruction has reached the underlying bone. The pockets created by gum inflammation deepen, exposing more gum tissue and bone to the infection. Eventually, due to insufficient gum support, the teeth can become loose and fall out.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
  • Swollen and sensitive gums.
  • Gums that draw away from teeth.
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down.
  • Deep pockets between teeth and gums.
  • Loose or shifting teeth.
  • Pus between your teeth and gums.
  • Chronic bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
  • New spaces developing between your teeth.

When You Should See a Dentist

You can have gum disease and not even know it as there is not always pain accompanying it. Having a periodontal evaluation complete with an x-ray is the best way to find and treat gum disease. If it’s been some time since you’ve seen a dentist, or if you are enduring any of the symptoms above, see your dentist soon. Treating your symptoms of periodontal disease not only improves your oral health but can also have a have a positive effect on your overall health.

Dr. McCool in Lilburn GA wants to help you prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease. Regular cleanings and check-up’s can protect your teeth and gums from periodontal disease for years to come. Your bleeding gums might be a sign of gum disease so contact us online today to schedule an appointment or call (770) 450-4407.


Contact

Harry W. McCool, DDS, PC
Lilburn, GA Dentist
dentistoflilburn.com

645 Beaver Ruin Rd NW, Suite A
Lilburn, GA 30047

New Patients (770) 450-4407

Current Patients (770) 381-9320

Hours

Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Schedule Appointment