Oral health is usually under constant attack by various pathogens and conditions. After all, the mouth is subjected to a variety of foodstuffs, may not be getting the brushing and hygiene required, or may simply be dealing with an onslaught of bacteria. One extremely stark sign of oral illness is Periodontal Disease.
A name that literally indicates “around the tooth” ” periodontal disease is an attack on the gums and bones that support the teeth. As noted by the Henrico dental office at Richmond, rates of this type of ailment are increasing for individuals across all age groups. The best way to deal with this is to arm yourself with all the knowledge necessary, along with what steps are necessary:
- What Is Periodontal Disease?
Largely, this illness involves the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth becoming inflamed. It’s a progressive condition – one that eventually leads to the connective tissue and jawbone being destroyed. Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis i.e. a bacterial infection of the gum tissue.
- How Is It Diagnosed?
A periodontal examination is conducted as part of a routine dental check-up. Here, the sulcus i.e. space between the tooth and gums is measured. A dentist can usually pick up on any early signs of deviation and investigate further. Usually, signs include plaque irritating the gums, plaque and tartar buildup, gums recession, and deeper sulcus.
- What Are the Treatment Options?
One of the best treatment options for Periodontal disease is prevention – healthy and consistent brushing and oral hygiene. However, at the moment, a dentist can focus on cleaning the affected tooth area. This deep cleaning process is called scaling and root planning. It removes most of the tarter, plaque, and toxins affecting the gums.
- Is Maintenance Required?
Recovery from Periodontal disease and general oral health requires consistent healthy habits, such as brushing. Yet, sometimes plaque and tartar formation can occur in areas that are not easily accessible to the usual brush. This requires the occasional professional cleaning equipment on the part of the dentist to maintain gum health.
Periodontal illness, if left unchecked, can lead to tooth loss and further complications. As such, it is essential that the illness be detected early, handled swiftly, and maintained consistently. This negates any undue adverse effects of the illness, which involve infections and tooth loss. Take up an appointment with an expert and watch any concern of periodontal illness vanish away!
