Understanding Periodontal Disease and Treatment with Crystal River Dental: Your Waupaca Dentist

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Crystal River Dental Waupaca, your trusted Waupaca Dentist periodontal disease, specializes in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease to help you maintain a healthy smile. This condition progresses in two stages: gingivitis, which involves gum inflammation, and periodontitis, where the infection becomes more severe and can lead to bone loss and tooth loss if left untreated.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria accumulate around the gum line, causing an infection that harms the gum tissue and underlying bone. In the initial stage, known as gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, particularly during brushing or flossing. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, bones supporting the teeth deteriorate, and the teeth may eventually loosen or fall out.

Crystal River Dental Waupaca, as your experienced Waupaca Dentist, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the disease from progressing. Periodontal disease is preventable, but regular dental checkups are essential for catching it in its early stages.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The primary cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth when bacteria combine with food particles. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup, especially below the gum line, leads to inflammation, which is the root cause of gum disease.

However, plaque isn’t the only factor. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections, including gum infections.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on teeth and under gums.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including periodontal disease.
• Immune-Suppressing Conditions: Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, increase susceptibility.
• Medications: Certain medications reduce saliva flow, which helps protect teeth and gums.
• Hormonal Changes: Women’s and girls’ hormonal changes can increase gum sensitivity and inflammation.
• Stress: High-stress levels weaken the immune system, impacting the body’s ability to combat infections.
• Crooked Teeth: Misaligned teeth can make it harder to remove plaque, increasing the risk of buildup and infection.
• Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to gum disease.

At Crystal River Dental Waupaca, our WWaupaca Dentist periodontal disease team assesses each patient’s unique risk factors to customize preventive and treatment plans.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Being aware of the early signs of periodontal disease is essential for early intervention. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Changes in bite alignment
• Gum recession, where gums pull away from teeth
• Loose or shifting teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a visit with your Waupaca dentist periodontal disease at Crystal River Dental Waupaca. Early detection can prevent the disease from advancing to a more severe stage.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the infection. For early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, regular cleanings from your dental hygienist combined with daily brushing and flossing can usually reverse the condition. However, advanced periodontal disease may require more intensive treatments:

• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure removes tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to prevent further plaque buildup.
• Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed or applied under the gums to control infection and reduce bacteria.
• Surgery: For severe cases, surgical options, such as flap surgery or bone grafts, may be necessary to repair damaged bone and tissue.

At Crystal River Dental Waupaca, our experienced Waupaca Dentist team will recommend the best treatment plan to restore your gums to health and protect your teeth from further damage.

The Importance of Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is more common than you may think. According to the CDC:

• 47% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
• 70% of adults over 65 are affected by periodontal disease
• Men are more likely to have periodontal disease (56%) than women (38%)
• 64% of smokers currently have periodontal disease

These statistics highlight the importance of proactive dental care. Regular checkups with your Waupaca Dentist, Dr. Thomas Machak at Crystal River Dental Waupaca, can detect early signs of periodontal disease, allowing for timely intervention and improved oral health.

Take Control of Your Gum Health

Periodontal disease can have a lasting impact on your dental health, but it is treatable and preventable with good oral hygiene and regular professional care. Crystal River Dental Waupaca is here to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. Our team is dedicated to providing effective, personalized care to prevent and treat periodontal disease.

If you’re in Waupaca and looking for expert guidance in managing or preventing periodontal disease, contact Crystal River Dental Waupaca at (715) 258-8200 to schedule an appointment with your local Waupaca Dentist today.