Periodontics
Treating gum disease in South Yorkshire
What is periodontitis and what causes it?
Periodontitis is a gum disease that means “inflammation around the tooth.” The cause is often poor dental hygiene – plaque build-up that eventually damages the gums. Periodontitis is a serious infection that – if left untreated – can cause serious damage to gums and destroy the jawbone – and even leading to the need for tooth removal.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontal disease is the aggravated form of gingivitis. However, unlike gingivitis, that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, periodontitis can usually only be treated and kept under control; however, a consultation with a periodontist will help you know for sure.
Is periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the gums – and thus, there is a risk that the infection is carried via salvia. However, while kissing and close contact with shared food, utensils, etc. could play a role in a potential transmission of the disease, it is more a disease caused by a lack of dental hygiene and treatment.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Symptoms of periodontitis include swollen, red and tender gums, bad breath, toothache, or loose teeth. However, you need a dentist to exam and diagnose this – or any dental condition – as there may be few or no symptoms.
Does treatment of periodontitis hurt?
Dentist recommendations on how to treat periodontitis or any gum disease treatment will vary, however at Tickhill Dental, a common treatment course includes: daily plaque removal (forming of new dental hygiene habits), professional tartar (calcified plaque) removal, regular evaluation and consistent dental health care.
Periodontics deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If your dentist has diagnosed gum disease, or you need to get dentally fit before considering treatments such as dental implants, veneers or teeth whitening, periodontics treatment may be required.
Gum disease is a surprisingly common problem. It’s easy to prevent, though simple oral hygiene – but it’s also easy to ignore, and can go untreated for decades before serious problems arise. At this stage, your gum disease – or periodontitis – is unlikely to be cured, though it can be managed with periodontics treatment. Left untreated gum disease causes teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
If you suffer from periodontal disease or think you might have periodontitis, all is not lost. The dental team at Tickhill Dental provide both urgent care dental treatment and prevention. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists and we can suggest a treatment plan and routine that will work for you: including daily plaque removal through brushing and flossing, regular clinical cleanings and check-ups, and – occasionally – bite therapy to address loose teeth, clenching or grinding habits, or tooth movement caused by unhealthy gums.
Remember: your teeth were built to last a lifetime, and with good dental hygiene and a solid treatment plan, you can manage periodontitis and create a stronger smile.