In periodontitis, symptoms that can be detected earlier include inflammation of the gums. This means that infection of gums has set in caused by bacteria present inside the mouth causing it to appear tender, swollen, purplish, and red in color. Dentists say that the first symptom of this gum disease is swollen gums that appear shiny. You can easily notice it as the infected gums bleed even with gentle brushing. The gums are tender to the touch though pain is not experienced at all. The teeth tend to become loose in time and there is bad smell or odor coming from the mouth. These are all the common symptoms seen in individuals suffering from this gum disease.
Basically, the preliminary stage of the periodontal disease infection is the same as of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. From the gums, the infection will spread to the bones that support the teeth as well as the ligaments. When the ligaments become weak, the tooth also begin to loosen and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is attributed as one of the main causes of the fall out of the tooth. Usually, this gum problem develops in teens and lengthens until they become adults which will make harmful effects on the tooth and gums. Plaque and tartar build up on the base of the teeth and will lead to development of pockets forming spaces between the teeth and gums.
In the case of periodontitis, prevention is still best than the periodontitis treatment. However, your dental professional will suggest several treatments that are available according to the severity of your gum infection. Usually, the primary step is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the gum lines. After the infected parts are eliminated, root planing is performed to enhance the reconnection of the roots with the tooth. When this process is completed, the spaces between the tooth and gums are greatly reduced thereby promoting tooth connection.
Treatment for periodontal disease requires flap surgery when it is already in the advanced stage. This is usually recommended by a dentist wherein dental specialists lift back the gums that were infected in order to get rid of the diseased tissue coming from the level of the roots as well as the tartar that are difficult to remove. While the diseased root parts are eliminated, soft tissues are grafted to augment the gums.
Dentists also recommend bone surgery when the gum disease reaches extreme levels. They will perform reshaping of the bones near the infected tooth so that bacteria will not grow back again. This is vital to prevent future infection. In all cases, individuals with gum diseases should take proper oral care to prevent further infections.