Also known as your gums or gingiva, the periodontal region of your mouth comprises the tissue that surrounds and encases your teeth. This tissue acts as a barrier between the underlying structure of your teeth and the bacteria that lives in your mouth, and keeping your gums healthy is essential.
Periodontal disease is a common problem among adults and it can range from mild inflammation of the gums, through to infections, tooth damage or even the loss of teeth. Luckily, with proper care, patients can overcome the problems associated with gum disease.
At GlenHunlty Dental we provide a range of periodontal treatments to help improve the health of your gums, as well as prevent periodontal disease.
Risk factors
Periodontal disease can often be prevented by maintaining good oral health – brushing and flossing on a regular basis and seeing your dentist as recommended.
However, there are a number of additional risk factors that patients should be aware of. For example, smokers are much more likely to be diagnosed with periodontal disease and their chances of enjoying a completely successful treatment are generally diminished. Hormonal changes in girls and women, particularly during pregnancy, can make the gums more prone to developing gum problems as well.
Other risk factors to consider include diabetes, certain medications and genetics. Those diagnosed with cancer or AIDs, and who are undergoing treatments for these conditions, may also find themselves to be more susceptible to periodontal disease.
Symptoms
Knowing how to spot the symptoms of periodontal disease is an important part of dealing with the condition, as early detection can improve the chances of a successful treatment.
If your gums are red, swollen, tender, bleeding or receding, these are all strong signals that you are in need of periodontal treatment. Other things to look out for include bad breath that won’t go away, tooth sensitivity and loose teeth.