How You Can Develop Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes the decay of your jawbone. Periodontitis is irreversible. You can treat this condition to minimize the harm that it causes, but you won’t be able to get rid of it for the rest of your life. The constant treatments and hassle that come with periodontitis are things that you will absolutely want to avoid, and you can do so. Avoiding periodontitis starts with keeping your gums healthy. Here’s how you can keep bacteria away from your gums and avoid developing periodontitis.

Prevent Gum Disease from Ever Developing

You can’t develop periodontitis without developing gum disease, so avoiding gum disease is the best strategy. Gum disease forms when bacteria aggregate around and beneath your gum line. Bacteria can build up on your teeth and cause cavities. The same thing can happen to your gums. Bacteria make their home beneath your gums and cause inflammation. You’ll notice chronic redness and swelling when you contract gingivitis. To avoid these symptoms, be sure that you brush your teeth regularly — especially around the gum line — and floss as well.

If You Have Gum Disease, Treat it Right Away

Gum disease is not a permanent setback for you. Gum disease can be treated when it is diagnosed early on. If you develop gingivitis, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning allows your dentist to access the surface of your tooth that is beneath your gum line. Your dentist can remove bacterial infection from this area and smooth your tooth roots to allow the tooth to comfortably reconnect to the gums. This process is also known as “scaling and root planing.” When performed in time, deep cleaning can clear up your gum disease and give you a fresh start.

Scaling and Root Planing Can Manage Periodontitis

If you do develop periodontitis, scaling and root planing won’t reverse the condition, but it can help you manage it. Regular deep cleanings clear out bacteria to prevent you from losing jaw bone mass. Differing from gingivitis, periodontitis doesn’t just sever the connection between tooth and bone, it actually degrades your jawbone, causing your teeth to become loose, and creating a bigger opening for bacteria to take hold. Using scaling and root planing to manage your periodontitis will reduce your chance for tooth loss.

Treat Your Gum Disease at Greenhaven Family Dental

If you notice any of the signs of gum disease, you need to treat the condition right away. If you see redness and swelling around your gum line, talk to Dr. Roberts at Greenhaven Family Dental. The staff at Greenhaven can schedule you an appointment to treat your gingivitis right away. To set an appointment time, contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.