You may start by seeing your general dentist. Depending on how severe your periodontitis is, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in the treatment of periodontal disease called a periodontist.
You can treat periodontitis on your own by reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth. This is by keeping your gums and teeth clean. There are procedures on how to use your dental floss and toothbrushes properly. Sometimes some dental hygiene products like mouthwash and water prick may also be recommended.
While periodontitis is more common in older adults, even younger people can have it. You don't have to panic if your gums bleed, but it's something to feel concerned about. In case you do notice signs of periodontal disease, it's best to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched.
Periodontitis affects more than 47% of adults over age 30 in the U.S. That number jumps to around 70% for adults 65 years and over.
Gingivitis. In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
Thankfully, it is never too late to get treatment for gum disease. Your specialized hygienic can complete a full diagnosis to help you determine what stage your gum disease has advanced to. Several treatment solutions may be offered depending on the severity of your condition.
Is it too late for me to have treatment? It's never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
Foods such as pickled vegetables, citrus fruits, black coffee, and tea can enhance inflammation, aggravate your condition, and slow down the effects of treatment.
Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, preserve gum tissue and prevent tooth loss.
Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis
There is significant bone loss (50 to 85 per cent) from the root of the tooth in the final stage of gum disease. This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease. At this stage, your gums will start to pull away or "recede" from your teeth.
You can't cure it because once you lose structural support around your teeth, you don't usually get all of it back. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild your bone and tissue to some degree. Another factor is genetics. There are many different types of oral bacteria.
When allowed to progress, the gums start to separate from the teeth, and pockets develop. Bacteria accumulate in these spaces, destroying gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Individual teeth can be affected, or your entire mouth can be at risk.
The prevalence of periodontal (gum) disease continues to be an important public health problem in the United States as 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of this disease.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Periodontal disease does not happen overnight but over time. There are four periodontal disease stages and they develop at different times. It's important to note each one so you can receive proper treatment.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
As the infection worsens, the pockets may also fill with pus. At this point your teeth might loosen or fall out. This stage of gum disease is irreversible, though dental implants (replacement teeth) are one option for people suffering from serious periodontitis.
Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a disease characterized by rapid loss of periodontal tissues affecting systemically healthy individuals under age of 30 years.
Advanced Periodontal Disease: The final stage of periodontal disease is when the infection has evolved into disease-causing bacteria. It can cause redness, swollen gums that ooze pus, sensitivity, loosening of teeth, painful chewing, severe bad breath, and bone loss.
Chronic periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are usually painless, but they may cause mild, episodic or persistent dull pain due to inflammation or low-grade infection.