What is periodontal disease?

There are many dental or gums-related diseases; one is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by severe gum infection or inflammation around the bone that supports and surrounds the teeth. 

The early sign of this disease is bleeding, red and swollen gums, etc. In the early stages, the swelling and bleeding might seem normal but if not diagnosed early, it can cause teeth to fall off, gums to pull away from teeth, weak bones, and more. 

On the other hand, periodontal disease is most common in adults, and if not treated properly, it can cause other health-related issues as well. In addition, a study suggests that more than 48% of adults above the age of 30 have some kind of periodontal disease. 

What causes periodontal disease in the first place?

The main reason why patients face periodontal issues is because of the increased amount of bacteria in their mouths. When the mouth is infected by any outside or inside bacteria, it directly affects the tissue surrounding the teeth, eventually leading to this disease. 

Now that you know periodontal disease is a gum disease, you must also know how it can badly impact your gums if not treated timely. If the bacteria in your mouth stay longer than a specific period, they tend to form a thin film layer called plaque. 

Plaque is a yellow layer that, when hardened, is called tartar or calculus. This layer build-up around the gum line, which makes it harder to clean the teeth properly. And in many cases, bacteria stays inside the mouth even after brushing or flossing.

Therefore, this plaque layer slowly leads to infections and cavities that can cause periodontal disease in the longer run. But going to a dental care professional can help you remove the plaque layer from your mouth correctly and efficiently. In addition, it prevents any further infection.

What are the early signs of periodontal disease?

There are multiple signs to look out for in periodontal disease, and some of the most important signs or symptoms are listed below: 

• Bad breath: Watch out for bad breath. It can be concerning if your bad breath is not gone even after brushing your teeth.
• Swollen gums: Swollen and red gums are one of the easily noticeable signs of periodontal disease. Professional dental care must be taken if you are suffering from the same.
• Bleeding gums: Sensitive and bleeding gums is another sign you must look out for. Severely bleeding gums can also make your teeth sensitive to different foods and drinks. 
• Pain in chewing: You should consult your dentist if you experience frequent gum pain while chewing food, as it can result from periodontal disease.

How can you prevent periodontal disease?

Before jumping into the precautions, let us see what factors can make this disease worse: 

• Excessive smoking
• Condition of diabetes in the family
• Bad oral health/hygiene
• Uneven or crooked teeth
• Mouth dryness
• Any hormonal changes 

These were some of the everyday things that can badly affect this disease. So now let’s see how one can prevent it from happening:

In the early stages, gingivitis or periodontal disease is easily controllable. You have to incorporate some easy steps into your dental routine. Moreover, weekly professional oral hygiene check-ups and cleaning are very successful ways of preventing this issue. 

You can start by brushing your teeth twice daily, followed by a proper tongue cleaning and flossing routine. To clean the root surface of your teeth, you can go for more extensive treatments by visiting your dentist.

Your dentist might prescribe you some medication if the condition gets worse. Lastly, it is always advised not to diagnose the condition independently and seek professional help.