Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and surrounding tissues of the teeth. It is caused by bacteria found in plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.
Periodontitis isn’t curable, but it’s manageable with proper care and treatment. Talk to your dentist or periodontist about a personalized treatment and maintenance plan. In general, the sooner you treat gum disease, the less likely you are to lose teeth. During this procedure, a periodontist will add tissue to the areas of gum recession. This tissue may come from the roof of your mouth, or your provider may purchase it from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
Scientists have also found links with other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Untreated periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss and may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health problems. Antibiotics can be used along with surgery and other therapies, or alone, to reduce or temporarily get rid of bacteria linked to gum disease.
In radiofrequency catheter ablation, a physician uses a small catheter to heat parts of the heart tissue that are linked to cause Afib. Almost half of all adults older than 30 have some kind of gum disease. In cases of persistent periodontal disease that is refractory to non-pharmacologic therapies, antibiotics can be administered both locally and systemically, depending on the severity of the disease. Clinically, this manifests as bleeding upon gentle probing of the gingival tissues. A 2022 meta-analysis, however, concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil had no significant effect on gum health or plaque prevention.
A dental bone graft uses your own bone, donated bone or synthetic bone to rebuild areas that have been damaged by gum disease. The graft serves as a type of scaffolding that holds space until your body can regenerate new bone. Periodontists often perform bone grafting in combination with pocket reduction surgery. Surgery could include leveling shallow bone defects or using regenerative surgical techniques for deep bone defects.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
“[When] bone starts to break down, the gums start separating from the tooth, creating a pocket,” Sahl says. Both gingivitis and periodontitis have been shown to raise your risk of things like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, and cancer. Gum disease treatment depends on the extent and severity of your condition.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
What help is there for periodontal disease?
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for periodontal disease. The first step is usually a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline.
Other treatment options for periodontal disease include:
Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce infection and inflammation in the gums.
Flap surgery: For advanced cases of periodontal disease, flap surgery may be necessary to remove tartar deposits and reduce pocket depth between the gums and teeth.
Bone grafts: If periodontal disease has led to bone loss, a bone graft may be recommended to help restore the structure of the jawbone.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent periodontal disease. If you suspect you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to seek help from a dental professional. With proper treatment, you can effectively manage and even reverse the effects of periodontal disease.
