Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a severe condition that affects the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is an inflammatory condition that can lead to deterioration of the alveolar bone and eventually the loss of teeth. The disease is far more common than many people may realize. It is considered to be the second most common disease in the world after tooth decay and affects as much as 50% of the population of the United States. Despite this, there are some very effective ways to prevent the disease when you get help from a specialist dentist Periodontist. For those who may be concerned they have it, there are ways to identify and treat the disorder.

Prevention is simple and requires nothing more than good oral hygiene. To avoid having to treat periodontal and gum disease, it is always a good idea to take methods to avoid it all together. Simple steps such as good brushing habits and flossing may be enough to avoid the disease. It is also recommended by most dentist Periodontists that people use soft brushes to avoid damaging the enamel of the tooth. It is also important to visit a dentist on a regular basis. They have methods of cleaning teeth which may not be available in a person’s home.

How do you know if you already have the disease though? There are many signs and symptoms that may alert you to the problem. Initially, you might experience redness or bleeding of the gums while you are brushing. If your gums constantly swell or bleed you may be experiencing the first signs. Halitosis will usually occur as well. If your gums are receding, or your teeth appear to be lengthening, you may also have the disease. In the later stages, you may even lose teeth. Hopefully, before this occurs you will have sought out a dentist to confirm your findings and help you treat periodontal and gum disease.

If you find that you do have periodontal disease, you need to take steps to find a dentist Periodontist to treat it immediately. Initial treatments may require anesthesia as they involve cleaning below the gum line. First treatments are non-surgical and are an attempt to remove the buildup below the gums. If the problem is serious or further progressed the dentist may replace lower parts of the tooth or close the gaps between the teeth to prevent food from getting down in between the teeth. Seeing as the procedures are very unpleasant, it is recommended that you simply take good care of your teeth.

Trying to treat periodontal and gum disease is a rather painful task. And in many cases it is not the result of poor dental hygiene, but rather a family genetic susceptibility to the disease.  When this is the case you must seek the professional services of a dentist Periodontists. Then by taking good care of your teeth you can often avoid the problem recurring. Brush using a soft bristle brush and do so at least twice a day. It is also important to clean out food around the gum line so that it does not work its way down into the tissue. This can be done with floss and mouthwash. If you are concerned about issues with your gums and think you may have gum disease, it is a wise call to consult with a dentist