If you don’t treat periodontitis, a serious gum infection, it can hurt the soft tissue and break the bone that holds your teeth in place. This condition can affect more than just your oral health. It can also affect your general health. At Highland Kitchener Dentist, we want to help you keep your smile healthy. This guide will discuss the best ways to treat periodontitis and the everyday things you can do to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Understanding Periodontitis

Plaque, a film of germs that sticks to your teeth, is the first sign of periodontitis. Plaque can harden into tartar if you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth. Only a professional cleaning can clear tartar. Gingivitis is the name for swollen gums that can happen over time. If you don’t treat gingivitis, it can get worse and turn into periodontitis. In this condition, the bone and inner layer of the gum pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can get infected.

Symptoms and Signs

Recognizing the early signs of periodontitis is important for getting better care. Here are some common symptoms:

  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Bright red, dusky red, or purple gums
  • Gums that hurt when you touch them
  • Gums that are receding
  • New places are opening up between your teeth
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when you chew

Getting proper dental care immediately is essential if you notice these signs.

Effective Treatment Options

To treat periodontitis, you must see a dentist regularly and take good care of your teeth at home. Here are some methods that work well:

Professional Cleaning

Skilled cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is the first step in treating periodontitis. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. At Highland Kitchener Dentist, our dental hygienists use special tools to clean your teeth down to the roots. They smooth out rough spots so bacteria can’t stick to them.

Medications

Sometimes, medicines may be given to help control the illness. Some of these are:

  • Antibiotic gels: These are put on the gum pockets after they have been deeply cleaned.
  • Antiseptic mouthwash: You use this daily to clean your teeth.
  • Enzyme suppressants: You take these pills by mouth to help control germs’ harmful enzymes.

Surgical Treatments

In severe cases of gingivitis, surgery may be needed to fix the problem. Some of these are:

Flap Surgery

This procedure, also called “pocket reduction surgery,” involves lifting the gums back to remove tartar buildup and sewing them back to fit snugly around the teeth.

Bone and Tissue Grafts

If gingivitis has caused bone loss, bone grafting can help regain the lost bone. In the same way, tissue patches can help replace lost gum tissue.

At-Home Care and Prevention

Getting dental work done by a professional is very important, but caring for your teeth at home is just as important. To avoid getting periodontitis, try these things:

  • Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
  • Floss daily: Flossing removes bacteria and food stuck between your teeth and under your gums.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash: This can help remove plaque and stop gingivitis from happening.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking increases your chance of getting periodontitis and can make it take longer to heal.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help your immune system and boost your oral health.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can prevent periodontitis and catch it early. During these visits, our team will assess your oral health and give you personalized tips on keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

Why Choose Highland Kitchener Dentist?

We know that dealing with periodontitis can be scary. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to giving you the best care in a warm and welcoming setting. We use the newest tools and technologies to ensure that our patients have the best results possible.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Please do not wait until it’s too late. Call us at 519-885-1598 or make an appointment if you think you might have periodontitis or are due for a monthly check-up. Let us help you get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile.

 

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.