The tissues that hold your teeth in place play a huge role in your overall dental hygiene. Allowing regular brushing, flossing and dentist visits to fall to the wayside can lead to a myriad of complications, one of them being gum disease—also known as periodontitis. While relatively common, this infection of the gums can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, gum tissue and even your overall health.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Depending on the severity of the case, periodontitis can have milder to more severe symptoms. Some of the common indicators of periodontitis are:

● swollen, bright red or purple gums
● pain in gums, especially when touched
● blood when flossing or bleeding
● receding gum line
● new spaces developing between teeth
● pain when chewing

Causes of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a gum infection that starts with plaque build up. If plaque is not cleaned from the teeth through brushing, flossing and dental cleaning, it can harden into tartar. Tatar is full of bacteria, hard on your dental health and much more difficult to remove. If left uncleaned, a buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis in more severe cases.

Risk Factors

From brushing habits to diet, there are many factors that can lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis, poor oral health habits, drug or tobacco use, vitamin deficiency, genetics or underlying health conditions can all make you more susceptible to this infection.

Treatment and Prevention of Periodontitis

When it comes to treating any dental complication, it’s important to start with the basics. A regular routine of brushing, flossing and dental visits will set you up for a clean and healthy dental future. Practicing good oral hygiene every day is the best precaution you can take to prevent periodontitis.

If you are already struggling with periodontitis, don’t hesitate to make a dental appointment. Periodontitis won’t go away on its own and will require deep cleaning and sometimes medication or surgery if there is significant gum damage or tooth decay. Luckily, the sooner you make an appointment with a professional, the sooner you can get your sparkling smile back.

Rely on Your Leesburg Dentist for Expert Periodontitis Care

If you are experiencing long-term discomfort in your teeth and gums, it’s important to get help from a professional. For over 20 years, Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D. has treated the Leesburg community with quality dental health checkups and restorative procedures. Call 352-787-5919, to schedule your appointment today.