Why Periodontitis is Bad for Your Teeth
Gum disease — also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease — is a condition that destroys the bone and soft tissue attachments around your teeth.
Periodontitis starts out as gingivitis, which is simply redness and inflammation along the margins of your gums. It’s the first stage of gum infection, caused by plaque bacteria collecting on your gumlines for too long.
If gum disease is allowed to progress, your body’s own immune system will start to target the area. As antibodies are rushed towards the bacteria, the soft tissues along your gumlines begin to break down and bleed. The open bleeding allows for antibodies to access the infected “pocket” just under your gums. Sadly, the longer this stage exists, the deeper the pocket becomes, with your gums gradually detaching further and further down on your affected teeth.
Unfortunately, with gum detachment comes bone loss. As a result, you’ll start to experience side effects like:
- Tooth mobility
- Teeth falling out
- Bad breath
- Sore, bleeding gums
- Tartar buildup
As if it weren’t bad enough, having gum disease can also impact your immune system and make you more likely to suffer from medical issues like pneumonia, diabetes, infertility, and cardiovascular disease.
Where to Go for Help
Studfield Dental Group in Wantrina South offers therapeutic gum treatments to combat periodontitis. We screen for gum disease early and frequently (usually every checkup) to catch symptoms while they’re still reversible.
If you suspect that you have gum disease, or periodontitis tends to run in your family, be sure to visit our Wantrina South dentists every six months. If tissue detachment is a concern, we’ll likely recommend a series of special cleanings to remove the buildup causing the infection, then show you special ways to reduce your chances of relapse.
Call Studfield Dental Group today!