Periodontitis (Periodontal)
Periodontal Disease (more commonly known as gum disease) is an inflammatory disease that attacks the gums, bones and other supporting structures of the teeth.
Periodontitis and can cause serious dental problems if not treated effectively. Loss of supporting structures causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis (Periodontal)
factsheet
Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Bleeding Gums
Pain while chewing
Red, sore, swollen gums
Bad breath or bad taste
Build up of calculus (tartar)
Loss of teeth sensitivity to hot and cold
Changes in bite
Gums that have withdrawn from teeth in between teeth
Causes
Periodontitis is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar at the base of the teeth. The resulting inflammation can cause a gap to form between the gums and the teeth trapping the plaque and tartar.
Continued inflammation leads to damage of the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. Because plaque contains bacteria, Periodontitis also causes infections like tooth abscesses which also increases the rate of bone destruction.
Treating Periodontitis & gum disease
Booking a consultation here in Sydney with our internationally trained dental professionals is the best way to find out how serious your periodontitis is. We usually begin treating mild periodontitis by cleaning your teeth (also known as scaling). Scaling removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.
More serious periodontitis may require surgery to reshape your gums to better fit your teeth or regrow bone that was destroyed. You also need a course of antibiotics to clear up any infections.
Whatever the required course of treatment you have the confidence knowing the internationally awarded and recognised team here at Paramount Dental Sydney are industry professionals who are committed to ensuring your comfort and providing long term solutions for you personally.
Treat gum disease today
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Susceptibility to gum disease
Because of their genetic makeup some people are more susceptible to periodontitis. If you teeth are crowded, crooked or misaligned you will find it harder to clean away plaque and tartar.
Smoking significantly increases your chances of having periodontitis as they accumulate more tartar on their teeth and they lose bone structure more rapidly once they have the disease.
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and HIV all increase the risk of periodontitis as well intensify it’s effects if gum disease had already taken hold. This can also be exacerbated by having a poor diet and taking medications that cause ‘dry mouth’ because they also increase the likelihood of contracting periodontitis.
MORE INFO ON PERIODONTITIS
