Today, we are more aware of the many dental and gum conditions that can affect us, from the well-known cavities to more complicated or risky ones like periodontal disease. We will be discussing it here on the Condor Dent Blog today. You’ll discover its causes, symptoms, and also the treatment of periodontal disease in the United Kingdom. Stay with us to continue learning about the fascinating world of oral health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that affects the supporting tissue of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. It’s essentially a buildup of bacterial plaque that occurs between the gums and teeth, causing inflammation of the gums to the point of detaching them from the tooth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets.
Understanding that bacterial plaque is a combination of saliva, bacteria, and food residues that cover the teeth highlights the importance of dental hygiene in preventing this disease. If plaque is not treated, it will continue to accumulate on the teeth, especially between the teeth and gums, eventually hardening into the dreaded tartar.
As mentioned earlier, tartar will continue to accumulate, causing irritation in the gums and the formation of periodontal pockets. These periodontal pockets are bacterial pockets that form between the tooth and gum, causing direct damage to soft pulp tissues and even bone.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Symptoms that a person with periodontal disease may experience can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- Gums that detach from the teeth
- Bad breath
- Gum pain
It’s important to note that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should not delay in consulting your dentist to assess the situation. You’ll be glad to know that periodontal disease is progressive, so if treated in time, you can reverse the damage to your teeth and gums.
Types of Periodontal Disease
There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible when treated properly, as mentioned earlier. A visit to your dentist’s office will put you on the path to getting rid of gingivitis.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a more severe form of periodontal disease characterized by the loss of tooth-supporting tissue. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly, which is exactly what you want to avoid. Therefore, we always recommend visiting a professional or group of professionals who can treat your teeth in the best possible way and save them if necessary.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
The treatment of periodontal disease will depend on the severity of the infection, something your dentist will determine after a consultation or general examination.
- Gingivitis: The treatment for gingivitis usually consists of a professional dental cleaning and an at-home oral hygiene plan. Professional dental cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth. The at-home oral hygiene plan includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss once a day, and visiting the dentist for regular exams and cleanings.
- Periodontitis: Treatment for periodontitis can be more complex and may require a combination of treatments, such as:
- Professional dental cleaning
- Scaling and root planing
- Antibiotic treatment
- Periodontal surgery
Follow-up Care
Once periodontal disease has been treated, it’s important to follow a post-treatment care plan to prevent a recurrence of the infection. As you can imagine, it’s easy to relapse into this infection, considering that the ingredients for triggering it (food residues, saliva, and bacteria) are a daily occurrence. You’ll need to double your efforts and exercise caution to have a successful recovery. Always follow your dentist’s advice to the letter. Some of these instructions may include:
• Regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings
• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Using dental floss once a day
• Using antibacterial mouthwashes
Condor Dent: Your Best Choice for Periodontal Disease Treatment in the United Kingdom
Condor Dent is our dental practice located in the city of London. Our dentists are qualified and experienced in treating periodontal disease. If you suspect you may be suffering from this disease and you are in London, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our professionals.
We offer a wide range of treatments for periodontal disease, including professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatment, and periodontal surgery. You’ll be in the best hands with us. Our team is committed to providing safe and effective periodontal disease treatment. Contact us today to schedule a dental examination and consultation on the treatment of periodontal disease.
We hope this reading has cleared up your doubts about what periodontal disease is and its implications. If you’re interested in receiving frequent dental knowledge, we recommend subscribing to our blog, where you can always find valuable information about dental care. We look forward to seeing you, and remember that a healthy smile translates to a happy person. Goodbye until the next installment!
