What is periodontal disease?
The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis — an infection in the soft tissue that supports your teeth. This condition causes your gums to become red and swollen. You may not experience much discomfort at this stage, even though signs of periodontal disease are visible.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a condition called periodontitis and, eventually, full-blown periodontal disease. There is a direct correlation between your oral health and your overall health, so ignoring the signs of gingivitis, periodontitis, and periodontal disease can lead to numerous health problems that affect your body, not just your mouth.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Gingivitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and often floss enough or as well as you should, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth When you don’t brush and floss often enough or as well as you should. Bacteria in your mouth cause an infection that can lead to periodontal disease.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Sensitive teeth and gums and pain when chewing
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Loose permanent teeth
- Gums that recede from your teeth
- Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Changes in how partial dentures fit
The sooner you treat gum disease, the better for your teeth and your overall health. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important, so Dr. Halverson and the team can detect the early signs of the disease before symptoms worsen and lead to additional complications.
Am I at risk of developing periodontal disease?
Specific health and lifestyle factors contribute to the onset of gingivitis and periodontal disease, and some people are more prone to gum disease than others, as a result of genetics. Other common risk factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
- Crooked teeth
- Underlying immunodeficiencies
As a biological dentist, Dr. Halverson considers other health conditions or contributing factors to your risk of gum disease so she can treat you as a whole person to improve your oral health as well as your overall well-being.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Your treatment depends on the stage of the periodontal disease. The primary goal of treatment is to stop the infection from spreading. Dr. Halverson offers Perio Protect® — a customized oral tray that helps to place medication deep below your gums to fight infection.
She also uses laser-assisted periodontal therapy to target and remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria in a minimally invasive process. Also, the team uses OralDNA® Labs to determine your risk factors for developing periodontal disease, which evaluates the pathogens that are in your mouth. Through a simple spit test, the lab identifies the underlying causes of your periodontal disease so Dr. Halverson and her team can provide the most effective treatment options.
Schedule a consultation online or call the Richardson, Texas, office for an appointment.
