Periodontics
Your Local Stafford & Fredericksburg Dentist
Periodontal diseases can be a nightmare for you and your mouth. At Southpoint Quality Dental in Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA, Dr. Joshua Swanson knows that the best way to cure gum disease is to stop it before it starts.
Read the information below to learn more about periodontics and what you can do to avoid periodontal disease.
What Are Periodontal Diseases?
The word “periodontal” derives from Greek origins and literally means “around the tooth.” Thus, a periodontist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases and conditions of the structures supporting the teeth, more commonly known as gum disease.
Periodontal diseases attack the gums and bones supporting the teeth. While many factors can lead to gum disease, plaque is the most common influence. When plaque is not removed, it builds up and turns into tartar, which can destroy the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Astonishingly, four out of five people have periodontal disease and are oblivious to it! Most people live in ignorance of the disease simply because it is usually painless in the early stages. This means, unfortunately, that most periodontal-related incidents are not discovered until they have existed for a substantial amount of time.
Tooth decay is the number one reason for tooth extraction. What’s more, research suggests that there may be correlation between periodontal disease and other, more serious diseases such as diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk during pregnancy.
How Can I Avoid Periodontal Disease?
Battling periodontal diseases is easy, but must be done preemptively. A healthy oral regime, persistent dental care, and regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist will mitigate the risk of gum disease.
Tooth decay is the number one reason for tooth extraction. What’s more, research suggests that there may be correlation between periodontal disease and other, more serious diseases such as diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking is also known to increase the risk of periodontal disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease?
Common symptoms associated with gum disease include:
- Bleeding Gums: Healthy gums should never bleed, even when flossing.
- Loose Teeth: Only children should have loose teeth
- Persistent Bad Breath: Caused by an abundance of bacteria in the mouth
- Receding Gums: Signifies loss of gum around a tooth
- Tenderness and/or Discomfort: A build-up of plaque, tartar and bacteria will irritate your gums and teeth.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
If you feel like you are experiencing the symptoms of a periodontal disease, do not hesitate to call our Fredericksburg or Stafford office today or contact us online. The sooner you decide to treat your gum disease, the sooner you can return to having a healthy mouth and smile. We are conveniently located right in both Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA. We look forward to seeing you smile!