Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
October 25, 2019Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Of Periodontal Disease
December 19, 2019If you are concerned about your oral health, working with a top periodontist in the Philadelphia area , like Barry Levin DMD, will help reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, and can help treat existing cases. If you have any of the risk factors for periodontal disease, regular dental care is even more important. Smokers, individuals with diabetes and other illnesses, and individuals who take medications that lead to a dry mouth all have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. Also, some people are more genetically prone to periodontal disease than others.
Periodontal disease develops when there is an infection in the tissues that are responsible for anchoring your teeth in place. There are a variety of things that can cause periodontal disease. Poor dental hygiene is a major cause of periodontal disease. Poor dental hygiene includes:
- Irregular brushing
- Poor flossing technique
- Not flossing at all
Poor dental hygiene allows bacteria known as plaque to develop on the teeth. This hardens and can eventually lead to bleeding gums, problems chewing, and tooth loss.
If you experience persistent bad breath, tender, bleeding, swollen or inflamed gums, pain when eating, you have teeth that are loose or sensitive, or your gums appear to be receding, you may be suffering from periodontal disease. Visiting a top periodontist in the Philadelphia area will help stop the progress of the disease and reverse its course.
Dental visits make many people anxious, and knowing what to expect can lessen your anxiety. The periodontist will examine your gums and measure the pockets around your teeth. They will also take a medical history. You will probably also receive x-rays so the periodontist can determine if you have experienced any bone loss as a result of the disease.
The treatment for periodontal disease depends on how advanced the disease currently is. The initial treatment will involve getting the gum infection under control and putting the patient on a regular, effective dental hygiene program. Scaling, or scraping off existing tartar, may also be performed during the visit. Your periodontist will probably also discuss any lifestyle changes you could implement to boost your dental health.
If you are experiencing issues with your gums and teeth, call us today. We can examine your mouth and let you know the best course of action to take to regain your pain-free smile. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, chronic abscesses, and damage to the skeletal structure of the jaw. It can also increase the risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke.
Contact Barry P. Levin DMD Jenkintown Periodontist & Implant Dentist at 215-635-0465.