If you're looking for a professional West Lincoln dentist, turn to Dr. Sowers at West Gate Dental. We're a family dental clinic that offers a variety of treatments. Besides general treatments, you can see us for cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, crowns, bridges, tooth whitening, and fillings. We can also help if you have periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, and it affects the gum and bones surrounding your teeth. People usually develop periodontal disease as a result of poor oral hygiene.
Over an extended period of neglecting your teeth, plaque will start to develop in your mouth. This sticky layer covers the surface of your teeth and contains bacteria. If you don't remove the plaque frequently through brushing and flossing, the plaque eventually hardens and becomes tartar. The combination of bacteria, tartar, and plaque results in red, swollen gums. This is the early stage of periodontal disease, which is called gingivitis. Once gingivitis worsens, you'll develop periodontitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The symptoms include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Sensitive gums
- Gums that bleed
- Bad breath
- Slight gum recession
Once you get periodontitis, you will still experience the symptoms of gingivitis. However, you will also experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Space forming between the gums and your teeth due to bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Pus between the gums and your teeth
- Very noticeable gum recession
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing food
What Happens If You Don't Treat Your Periodontal Disease?
If you don't see a West Lincoln dentist when you start to show symptoms of periodontal disease, you may suffer dire consequences.
- Tooth Loss: As gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease, the bacteria start to attack the bone and the gums around your teeth, significantly weakening the structure. You will first start to experience loose teeth. As you lose more of the supporting structure, your teeth will eventually fall out.
- Bone Loss: As the bacteria attack the gums and bones around your teeth, you will suffer bone loss. As mentioned above, this is what causes tooth loss.
- Gum Recession: Periodontal disease also causes gum recession. This means the gum pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots. Exposed roots make your teeth more sensitive when you eat or drink hot or cold foods.
- Abscesses: When your gum and tissue are severely infected, you will start to see sores and pus forming in between the gums and teeth.
- Chronic Bad Breath: One of the more off-putting symptoms of periodontal disease is chronic bad breath or halitosis.
- Unattractive Smile: Tooth loss, bone loss, and gum recession can affect your smile and negatively affect your self-confidence.
West Gate Dental in Lincoln, NE
Periodontal disease is the main reason people lose their teeth, so it's important to take proactive measures to prevent it. If you suspect you have early signs of periodontal disease, contact Dr. Sowers at West Gate Dental in Lincoln, NE. She can examine your mouth and determine the best steps to take.