What You Need To Know About Periodontal Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with gingivitis or a further stage of periodontal disease, you may have a few questions about this infection, including how did it happen and how can it be treated? Many people are under the assumption that only older adults or people with poor oral hygiene can get this gum infection. The team at BC Periodontics in Dallas, TX, is here today to talk about some common myths about periodontitis.

Myth: Gum Disease Only Happens With Poor Oral Hygiene

Periodontal disease occurs as a result of plaque building up around your gums and the roots of your teeth. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene may not be the sole cause of gingivitis. Cigarette smoking can harm the soft tissues in your mouth, which puts you at risk for inflammation. Genetics and some medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, may also make it easier for you to get gingivitis. You may be able to prevent gingivitis by practicing a good oral hygiene routine, avoiding or stopping smoking, and eating a well-balanced diet. If you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as bleeding gums or swelling, talk to your dentist as soon as possible.

Myth: Periodontitis Only Affects Your Gums

While the infection can start around your gums, it can also affect the roots of your teeth, your heart, and your overall well-being. Gum disease can begin as inflammation caused by the plaque and tartar buildup around your soft tissues. If left untreated, the infection can advance to further stages of periodontal disease, which can lead to your gums receding away from the roots of your teeth. In some cases, this can result in tooth loss. These changes can be harmful to your oral health, as your other teeth may shift out of place and become misaligned. Patients with periodontitis may be at a higher risk of heart problems due to inflammation that affects their blood vessels.

Myth: The Infection Can Never Be Treated

Many people think that gum disease is irreversible once it develops. However, if gingivitis is caught in the earliest stages, we may be able to help you reverse your symptoms and protect your smile from significant damage. Treatment for gum disease will involve improved oral hygiene routines at home and regularly scheduled deep cleanings. Scaling and root planings are done to remove plaque buildup and prevent tissue recession. If you have reached an advanced stage of periodontitis, treatments such as pocket depth reduction and soft tissue grafting may be necessary to prevent bone loss.