How common is periodontitis?

Periodontitis Treatment in Grand Rapids, MI

Always A Smile Dental boasts more than 25 years of experience providing patients throughout Grand Rapids, MI, and the surrounding areas with premier treatment for periodontitis. Periodontal disease is relatively common, especially in adults over 30. Because of how common this disease is, it has become a significant public health problem in the United States. Almost half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Additionally, the likelihood of periodontal disease increases with age, with about 70 percent of adults over 65 having some form of the disease.

What is Periodontitis?

Also called gum disease, periodontitis is a common, chronic, and largely preventable gum infection. This infection is often severe and can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Periodontitis starts with oral bacteria growth and eventually destroys the bone that supports the teeth if left untreated.

What Causes Periodontitis?

Most commonly, periodontitis is caused by the extensive buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that develops on the teeth’s surfaces when poor oral hygiene is involved. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home and attending bi-annual dental visits can help reduce one’s risk of gum disease. In addition to the extensive buildup of plaque, other oral health issues can result in periodontitis. The causes of periodontitis include, but are not limited to, the following:

Extensive Buildup Of Plaque – Plaque forms when the starches and sugars from food interact with the bacteria usually found inside the mouth.

Hardened Plaque Beneath Gumline – If plaque reaches the gum line and becomes bacteria-filled tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove.

Gingivitis – The extensive buildup of plaque in the mouth can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is the irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue.

Ongoing Gum Inflammation – When the gums are inflamed for a prolonged period, pockets can form and fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, causing gum disease.

The Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

When gums are healthy, they are firm, pale pink, and fit snugly around the teeth. Symptoms of periodontal disease will sometimes vary depending on what stage of the disease the patient is suffering from. For example, early-stage periodontitis usually includes bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or sensitive teeth, and painful chewing. Throughout all periodontitis stages, however, patients will experience similar symptoms. Periodontitis symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:

Bleeding gums, Receding gums, Tender gums, Bright red gums, Swollen or puffy gums, Persistent bad breath, Pus between teeth and gums, New spacing between teeth, Pain while chewing, Loose teeth, Loss of teeth, Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing, Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing, and change in the way the teeth fit together

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

If you have signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and wonder how to treat periodontitis, wonder no more. Can periodontitis be cured? No, but it can be effectively treated. Treatment for periodontal disease will help patients avoid long-lasting and severe damage. Non-surgical treatment methods include scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. Surgical treatment methods include flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and tissue-stimulating proteins.

Contact Our Team Today To Learn More

If you’re suffering from any of the signs or symptoms of periodontitis, please reach out to the professional dental team at Always A Smile Dental today. We have over 25 years of experience providing Grand Rapids, MI patients with top-of-the-line gum disease treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical. Regardless of what treatment type you need, we are here to help. For more information about periodontitis or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.