Periodontal disease is a common disease that effects roughly 3 million Americans per year. This condition has the potential to become serious if not caught early enough. If you think that you may have this condition, you will want help from the top periodontist in the area to begin healing.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a disease that effects the teeth and tissues surrounding the, including the gums.

It has four stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. If the condition is caught at this stage, it is reversible. Further progression of the condition requires more medical intervention.

The next three stages of the disease are classified by level of severity. They are:slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. As the disease progresses, you have more chance of losing teeth and bone loss.

Causes Of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of this condition is poor dental hygiene which leads to plaque buildup and infection. However, there can be other causes, such as:

• Changes in hormones
• Illnesses and other diseases
• Conditions and medications that inhibit saliva
• Genetics

Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease

The symptoms indicating that you have this condition include:

• Swollen and irritated gums
• A pocket between the teeth and gums
• Gums may begin to bleed

More severe symptoms include:

• Gums receding from the teeth
• Worsening of the redness, swelling, or bleeding
• Teeth feeling loose
• The pockets around the teeth filling with puss as infection worsens

The earlier on you can get treatment from a top periodontist in the area, the better your chances are to avoid tooth loss and intense medical interventions.

Treatments For Periodontal Disease

The treatments for this condition are dependent upon how far it’s progressed before you are able to get help and treatment. Some treatment options are:

• Professional teeth cleaning
• Root planing and scaling
• Flap or pocket reduction surgery
• Bone and/or soft tissue grafts
• Bone surgery

When it comes to this condition, the best option is prevention. If you do progress to gingivitis, make sure you get treatment before it can worsen into severe infection and bone loss.

As part of prevention, you want to implement good oral hygiene at home. You will also want to include professional teeth cleanings and check ups. If you think you might be suffering from periodontal disease, you want to contact the top periodontist in the area for help. Call Barry Levin,DMD and his team today.