What Is Advanced Gum Disease and How Can It Be Treated?

Maintaining good oral health is vital to both self-confidence and overall well-being. However, even with diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, more severe dental issues can emerge — such as periodontitis.

Advanced gum disease is often a result of an untreated inflammation of the gum, referred to as gingivitis. Aside from genetics and medication, other periodontitis causes include poor nutrition, oral hygiene, and tobacco use.

This comprehensive guide explores peridontitis symptoms, risks, and possible treatment. We also discuss ways to prevent advanced gum disease, ensuring your gums are healthy.

How Serious is Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)?

Gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease) is a widespread condition, usually beginning as mild inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. Over time, if you leave it untreated, it progresses to advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

Periodontitis develops when inflammation extends deeper into supporting structures of teeth, such as bone, ligaments, and tissues that keep teeth in their places. The inflammation then spreads further, damaging supporting structures.

Causes of Advanced Gum Disease

Accumulation of bacterial plaque on teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene leads to advanced gum disease. Plaque builds up due to insufficient brushing and flossing habits and hardens over time into tartar. Over time, the tartar becomes difficult to remove by regular brushing and flossing alone.

Tartar buildup irritates gums, leading to inflammation and eventual detachment from teeth. Multiple risk factors can contribute to advanced gum disease, including

Poor Oral Hygiene: Failure to brush and floss regularly results in plaque build-up that leads to gum disease.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco products weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections such as gum disease.
Genetics: Genetic influences may predispose certain people to gum disease.
Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease.
Medication: Certain medications can reduce saliva flow, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.
Poor Nutrition: Eating without essential nutrients can harm immunity and gum health.

Symptoms of Advanced Gum Disease

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of advanced gum disease is crucial for early intervention. Some pointers to advanced gum disease are bleeding gums, pain, discomfort, and bad breath.

Here are some possible indicators:

Gum Recession: When gums start receding from teeth, this may cause them to appear longer.
Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating often indicate gum disease.
Persistent Bad Breath: Bacteria trapped between teeth and gums may contribute to persistent bad breath.
Pain and Discomfort: Gum disease can lead to pain, sensitivity, and discomfort when chewing.
Loose or Shifting Teeth: As supporting bone density declines, teeth may become loose or shift out of position, potentially necessitating an extraction procedure to correct them.

Risks Associated with Advanced Gum Disease

Untreated gum disease can have serious repercussions beyond oral health. Research has linked periodontitis to various systemic conditions. They include

Cardiovascular Disease: Gum inflammation has links with heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes: Gum disease can make managing blood sugar levels in those with diabetes even more challenging.
Respiratory Problems: Microorganisms in your mouth can enter your lungs through breathing, potentially leading to respiratory infections.
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant individuals with gum disease may have an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight at birth.

Advanced Gum Disease Treatment

You can manage this disease and restore your oral health thanks to effective periodontitis treatment options. Your choice of therapy depends on its severity.

Here are a few possibilities,

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes tartar and bacterial deposits from above and below the gum line.
Antibiotics: You can use topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery: In cases where deep cleaning is insufficient, a surgeon lifts the gums to access and clean the roots of teeth. They then stitch back the gum in place.
Bone Grafts: In severe cases of bone loss, grafting procedures can help regenerate lost bone tissue.
Soft Tissue Grafts: These procedures address gum recession by replacing lost gum tissue with grafts from other mouth areas.

Advanced Procedures

Laser Therapy: Laser treatment can selectively remove diseased gum tissue while promoting healing.
Full Mouth Reconstruction: For extensive cases, you may need a comprehensive approach involving various dental specialties to restore the mouth’s health and appearance.

Preventing Advanced Gum Disease

Prevention is key to avoiding advanced gum disease. With regular dental checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively prevent advanced gum disease. Use these habits to maintain healthy gums.

Good Oral Hygiene: Regularly brush and floss to rid yourself of plaque build-up and prevent recurrence.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and examinations to help detect potential issues quickly.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a nutritious and active lifestyle by eating well-balanced meals. Refrain from smoking products and effectively manage any underlying medical conditions.
Early Intervention: Early treatment is key to halting gum disease from worsening. If gingivitis or any signs of gum disease appear, addressing them immediately will help ensure its progression does not further accelerate.

Customized Dental Services in Ontario

Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is a serious oral health issue requiring immediate and proper attention and treatment. Recognizing its causes, symptoms, and potential risks is vital to maintain well-being.

With non-surgical, surgical, and advanced treatment options available today, you can take control of your oral health and work toward creating healthier smiles. Though prevention remains key, prioritize regular dental check-ups to keep gums and teeth in top condition.

Thornhill Dental offers customized dental treatment plans using the latest dentistry techniques and practices. To find out more about our services, contact us at 905-771-8100.

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