Periodontitis: Symptoms & Causes

April 24, 2023 6:47 pm

Swollen red gums indicate that it’s only a matter of time before you’re booking an emergency dental visit. But you don’t have to let it come to that. By understanding the symptoms and causes of periodontitis, you can get the dental care you need before the infection causes too much damage to your teeth and gums!

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced periodontal disease. It is the most severe form of gum disease and causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can build up and cause an infection. By noticing symptoms and avoiding causes early enough, periodontitis can be prevented.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

The symptoms of periodontitis are not always obvious. Sometimes symptoms go unnoticed, as periodontitis can develop in a mild form. Common symptoms of periodontitis to look out for include:

Bad breath
Red or swollen gums
Receding gums
Easily bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth

Causes of Periodontitis

There are several causes of periodontitis. However, the leading cause is plaque buildup. Plaque, the sticky bacteria film, eventually hardens into tartar when not cleaned from the mouth. Tartar causes gum irritation, inflammation, and infection. Other causes of periodontitis include:

Poor oral hygiene care
Poor nutrition
Hormonal changes like pregnancy
Genetics
Chewing or smoking tobacco

Treating Periodontitis

If you suspect you or someone close to you has symptoms of periodontitis, scheduling an appointment with a dentist near you as soon as possible is the first best step. Only a dental professional can examine the gums and area below the gum line to determine if there is periodontitis. If periodontitis is confirmed, periodontal treatment, like medication, surgery, or deep dental cleaning, will be drawn up.

Prevent Periodontitis with Regular Dental Visits in Summerville, SC

A good oral hygiene routine and consistently visiting a dentist near you can help prevent periodontitis. At Seastone Dental, we can help you maintain good oral health with our many services. Make an appointment now!

Categorised in: Gum Health, Oral Health, Preventive Dentistry