Periodontist in Jupiter, FL

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is the most common form of periodontal disease, which affects about 75% of Americans over 35 years old. It affects both sexes alike. Infection and inflammation of the gums cause it, and there is bone loss around the teeth. Without treatment from a periodontist in Jupiter, the disease will start to wear down the jawbone.

Signs may appear as early as your adolescence stages, but because of its cumulative, progressive nature, this disease is often diagnosed only in your 40s or 50s. The erosion in the jawbone loosens your teeth and weakens the ligaments, which may make your teeth fall out or need them to be pulled out.

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What is Gum Disease?

Although chronic periodontitis is the most common, there are five types of gum disease.

  1. Chronic Periodontitis – This type concerns periodontal pockets that form progressively. It is further classified into generalized or localized types, and also levels of destruction: mild, moderate, and severe.
  2. Aggressive Periodontitis – This is the loss of gum attachment at a fast pace relative to your age. It often runs in the family and is seen in adolescence. It may involve an underlying immune system defect.
  3. Gum Disease as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease – People with genetic diseases such as Down Syndrome, or particular blood diseases such as Leukemia are prone to periodontitis. This is often due to the body’s declined ability to ward off infection.
  4. Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis – This is associated with a quick onset of pain and bone loss, bad breath, and gum ulcers. The contributing factors of this form include lack of sleep, smoking, psychological stress, malnutrition, and general lack of ability to fight infection. NUP was known as “trench mouth” when it was seen among soldiers who returned from the World War I trenches.
  5. Periodontitis Associated with Endodontic Lesions – When your tooth is infected and needs a root canal, the tip of the root can cause bone loss.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Gum disease is asymptomatic in its early stages. The signs at that time may bear a resemblance to those of gingivitis – bad breath, red gums, and bleeding. As it progresses, the following symptoms may show:

  • Bad breath that brushing and flossing are unable to treat
  • Reddish-purple or bright red gums
  • Pain when touching your teeth or gums
  • Swollen gums that are susceptible to bleeding
  • Teeth that experience pain when there’s a change in temperature
  • Loosening of your teeth

Causes of Periodontitis

It is mainly caused by plaque formation on your teeth. The plaque hardens and turns into tartar over time. It cannot be removed by simply brushing and flossing. Bacteria begins to live within the plaque and tartar infects the gums. At this point, it is gingivitis, which then progresses to periodontitis.

Certain plaque bacteria emit toxins that cause bone erosion. As it happens, deep pockets form between the gums and teeth. These bacteria also enter your bloodstream and eventually spread to other parts of your body.

Hormones can also be a contributing factor to periodontitis development, particularly in pregnant women. A few medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, can contribute to gum disease too.

Diagnosing Gum Disease

If you think you are showing signs of periodontitis, contact us for a checkup. We will examine your symptoms and family medical history, together with an oral examination of your gums, teeth, and supporting bones. We will measure the depth of the pockets in your gums, and x-rays will be required to check bone loss.

Treatment

You may need repeat visits in contrast to gingivitis, which can be treated with a professional cleaning and good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing can only clean one to three millimeters below your gum line. Periodontal pockets are four to ten millimeters. Deep cleaning is necessary when there are deep pockets.

The treatment is called scaling and root planing. It thoroughly gets rid of plaque and tartar below your gum line and primes the root for gum reattachment. You may find it similar to regular cleaning, only more meticulous and thorough.

After the initial therapy, you will be placed on periodontal maintenance. Your teeth and mouth will be cleaned and examined every three to four months.

Prevention

Practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush for at least a couple of minutes two times a day. Floss beneath the gum line.

Visit us, your periodontist in Jupiter, regularly. For most of our patients, this is every six months. Feel free to contact us today.

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