Periodontal disease or gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases that people get next to cavities. But, just because something is common, it doesn't mean that it's something that people are familiar with. To help you feel a little bit more informed about periodontal disease, what it is, how it's treated, and so forth, this article will take a closer look at it. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an oral condition in which the gums become infected. When too much tartar has built up along the gum line, it can lead to an infection. If this infection is left untreated, it may lead to further problems relating to the heart, which means it's critical that you have it treated. 

What Are Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Typically, signs of periodontal disease include red, swollen, tender, inflamed gums that hurt to touch. In the early stages of periodontal disease, patients will only experience slight symptoms, but as it progresses into something more, it may even cause teeth to become loose. 

How Is It Treated?

The severity of your periodontal disease will determine what kind of treatment options will be best for you. For instance, if it's really early on, then your dentist may be able to do something as small as a thorough cleaning to remove the plaque from the gum line and help get rid of the infection. If, however, the periodontal disease is more advanced, then your dentist may consider laser periodontal therapy. Laser Periodontal therapy or treatment is used to help fight the infection inside of the gums by using laser technology. Once the infection is cleared from inside of the gums, then the gum line is usually grafted to help seal it off. 

How to Avoid Periodontal Disease?

Similar to any other oral disease, one of the best ways for you to avoid periodontal disease is to quit smoking or using tobacco products, brush and floss twice a day, and visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings. 

As previously mentioned, if periodontal disease is left untreated, it can turn into way more serious health issues later on down the line. If you think that you have periodontal disease because you are experiencing swollen, tender, bleeding gums, then make sure that you contact your dentist right away, because the sooner that it's treated, the easier it will be to recover.

For more information, contact a local dentist like Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC.

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