What is Periodontitis?

A periodontist treats the extreme case of gum disease known as periodontitis.  Gingivitis starts out as an inflammation of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it will lead gradually extend to the point that periodontitis occurs. If enough time passes, the inner portions of the gums will start to pull away from your teeth. This movement generates pockets along the sides of the teeth where debris collects.

Flossing and brushing the teeth cannot remove all of this debris.  The end result is an infection of the gums and a subsequent shrinking of the gum lines.  Gum lines that shrink lead to an enlarging of the pockets and the possibility of all sorts of nasty oral conditions.  It is even possible for a patient who suffers from periodontitis to have one or several teeth fall out in due time.

Why Periodontitis Occurs

Plaque is the top cause of periodontitis.  Plaque first forms along the teeth, infects the gums, causes gingivitis and then subsequently leads to gum disease.  Yet there are some secondary causes of note. Women who experience hormonal alterations during menopause, pregnancy, monthly menstruation and other biological changes can experience periodontitis.

Even an illness or disease has the potential to impact the immune system an cause the gums to be overly elastic.  So do not assume the formation of plaque is the sole cause of your periodontitis. Meet with your periodontist to identify the true underlying cause(s).

The Symptoms of Periodontitis

If your gums bleed after you brush your chompers, it probably is not because you are brushing with too much force.  There is a good chance you are experiencing the initial stages of gingivitis. Resume flossing and you will almost surely spot blood as a result of the irritation to the gums. Additional periodontitis symptoms include consistent bad breath, a persistent bad taste in the mouth, swollen gums, teeth that shift and the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth.

However, it is possible you have periodontitis and do not even know it as some of the conditions are not visible with a superficial look at the mouth.  If gums that are difficult to see have periodontitis, only a periodontist will be able to identify the problem.

Periodontal Disease Treatment and Prevention

The prevention of periodontitis is quite direct and easy.   Have a dentist analyze your mouth once every six months to spot early signs of periodontitis and other oral health problems.  If the teeth, tongue or gums look odd, do not hesitate to visit the dentist for an in-depth analysis. Brush and floss your teeth twice per day to control plaque.

Use an antibacterial rinse between flossing and brushing to clean the areas of built-up plaque the toothbrush cannot reach.  If pockets have developed between the teeth and the gums, they should be cleaned so they have the opportunity to tighten back up in due time.