Optimal dental health is crucial to an individual’s overall well-being. One condition that could pose a serious threat to attaining this goal is periodontal disease. Barry Levin, a periodontal specialist who holds a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, serves the residents of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania and is considered by many to be a top periodontist in the area, invites current and prospective patients to read the following short work offering a brief overview of periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, sometimes known dentally as periodontitis, is amongst the most serious forms of gum disease. The condition impacts the gums deep tissues and often precipitates damage to tooth-supporting bones. Should the condition progress, loose teeth and, in certain instances, tooth loss might result.

Causes

In many cases, periodontitis is borne of poor dental hygiene and a lack of professional care. The usual precipitating cause is the significant accumulation of detrimental substances like plaque and tartar. When an individual does not brush and floss their teeth with any regularity or receive adequate dental care, rapid and significant infiltration of these materials overtakes the gums.

Certain additional factors might increase one’s chances of developing the ailment, including:

*Cigarette smoking
*Chewing tobacco
*Experiencing major hormonal changes
*Side effects of certain medications
*Various vitamin deficiencies
*Immune system disorders
*Certain metabolic and digestive maladies

Other potential risk factors include certain genetic disorders, chronic drug use, excessive alcohol intake and obesity.

Symptoms

Typically, the most obvious signs are swollen, red, puffy gums. That said, periodontal disease could manifest in other occurrences like:

*Unusual bleeding of the gums
*Bleeding after brushing or flossing
*Loose teeth
*The development of wide gaps between teeth
*Increased incidents of dental infections
*Oral pain, which can be exacerbated by routine activities like chewing
*Foul breath
*Receding gum line

Any of the preceding symptoms should necessitate a visit to a top periodontist in the area as soon as possible.

Complications

Unchecked periodontitis will invariably lead to tooth loss. Such an event will often render activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Additionally, accumulated bacteria could leak into the bloodstream, travel to other bodily regions and present a host of serious, potentially life-threatening problems.

Potential Treatment Options

Common remedial efforts include:

*Prescribing antibiotics to clear away any active infections
*Root planting, which extracts hazardous materials like plaque and bacteria from a tooth’s roots
*Scaling the impacted teeth and gums, which comprises using specific tools to scrape away detrimental materials
*Various surgical techniques

The specific treatment a periodontist employs will depend upon the condition’s severity and various factors related to the patient’s health.

Contacting Us

Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with good individual oral care practices and professional care. However, should periodontitis be present, our staff can perform a thorough examination and suggest the most appropriate course of treatment. Dr. Levin prides himself on being one of the top periodontists in the area and looks forward to serving new patients.