The dentists North Attleboro MA help diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a disease of the jaw bone and gum tissue that is caused by a build up of plaque. Plaque is a layer formed on the teeth when food and saliva are left to build up on the teeth. There are several indicators that patients may be in the early stages of periodontal disease. They may have bleeding gums. New spaces might be forming between the teeth. They may have bad breath. The gums may be receding or be swollen and red. The teeth may even start to become loose. It’s important to have regular exams to catch periodontal disease early, because it’s usually painless at first so patients are not aware there is a problem.
dentists North Attleboro MA diagnose periodontal disease by looking for the above signs and byt using a periodontal probe to measure how deep the pocket is between the gums and the teeth. It should be no more than three millimeters. There are three different categories concerning periodontal disease. The first is gingivitis, in which the gums bleed and feel tender. The next stage is periodontitis, in which plaque has hardened into a layer of tartar on the teeth, the gums recede, the pockets in the gums contain pus and bacteria, and bone loss may have begun. In the most advanced stage of periodontitis, the teeth are loose and there is more significant bone loss. Without treatment, the patient can lose their teeth.
Several factors contribute to causing periodontal disease. A person may be genetically predisposed to getting it. During pregnancy and again in menopause, hormonal changes can affect the gum tissue. Malnourishment affects the health of bone and gum tissue. Tobacco use weakens gum tissue, contributes to bone loss, and causes the build-up of tartar. Some medications affect the gums and teeth, as do certain conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Grinding the teeth, poor brushing and flossing at home, and not attending regular dental cleanings can all contribute to periodontal disease.
In treating periodontal disease, dentists clean the teeth and the infected gum tissues. They prescribe antibiotics to clear up infection. They do tissue grafts and dental implants to help the patient retain natural-looking teeth. The best thing patients can do is see the dentist regularly and take care of their teeth at home to prevent periodontal disease.
