See The Top Periodontist In Jupiter Farms, FL

What Is Gum Disease?

The most common form of gum disease is chronic periodontitis but is accompanied by four more types.

1. Chronic Periodontitis – This type of gum disease involves progressive periodontal pockets. It can be mild, moderate, or severe; and is classified into localized or generalized kinds.
2. Aggressive Periodontitis – This type is more fast-paced and often noticeable during the teenage years. It can be hereditary and/or involving a defect in the immune system.
3. Systemic Disease Resulting in Gum Disease – Genetic diseases may attribute to gum disease. It may include patients with Down Syndrome. People with Leukemia and other blood diseases may also be prone to periodontitis. This happens as a result of the body’s decreased ability to fight off contamination.
4. Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis – This type of gum disease comprises a fast onset of gum ulcers, bad breath, bone loss, and pain. What causes this include psychological stress, malnutrition, smoking, lack of sleep, and an overall inability to ward off infection. This was known as “trench mouth” because back in World War I, the soldiers who were stationed at the trenches had this.
5. Endodontic Lesions Affecting Gums – When you have an infected tooth needing a root canal procedure, bone loss may occur from the tip of the root.

What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontitis?

Periodontitis may go unnoticed in its early phases. The symptoms that are seen may seem similar to gingivitis. These include bleeding, red gums, and bad breath. However, as the condition develops, you may observe the following symptoms:

• Tooth loosening
• Feeling pain when the temperature changes
• Bleeding happens with swollen gums
• Experiencing pain when you touch your gums or teeth
• Having bright red or reddish-purple gums
• Having bad breath even after brushing and flossing

What Causes Periodontitis?

The main cause of periodontitis is plaque forming on your teeth. After some time, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar. You can’t get rid of it by merely a brush and floss. Bacteria have begun living in it and your gums become infected from the tartar. It is initially gingivitis, which develops into gum disease.

Bone erosion can occur from the plaque bacteria. As a result, your teeth and gums experience forming deep pockets between them. Not only will the bacteria affect your gums, but it also has the ability to ravage other organs in your body.

Gum disease may also be attributed to hormones, especially in expecting women; as well as medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Gum Disease Detection

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call us at Dentists of Jupiter Farms for an appointment. (561) 743- 6700. We will take a look at your teeth and gums, as well as check your medical history for any indication. We will do an oral examination of your gums, teeth, and bones. We’ll check for bone loss through measuring your gum pockets and performing x-rays.

Effective Treatment For Gum Disease

Gingivitis can be treated with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning, while periodontitis may need multiple visits to your dentist. Your gum line can only receive care from one to three millimeters through brushing and flossing your teeth. It will not reach periodontal pockets as they are buried four to ten millimeters deep. The only way to cleanse this is by deep cleaning.

Dental deep cleaning involves root scaling and planing. This process removes plaque and tartar underneath your gum line and prepares the root for reattaching your gums. It is a similar experience with regular cleaning, but only more in-depth and scrupulous.

After receiving initial treatment, you will undergo maintenance for your oral health. Here at Dentists of Jupiter Farms we will arrange for you to come in for a cleaning and examination every 3 to 4 months.