Gum Disease and Dentists in Providence, RI

by | Nov 21, 2014 | Dentistry

Periodontics is the treatment of the periodontal apparatus (gums). The periodontium consists of the gingiva (gums), the cementum, the periodontal membrane, collagen fibers and the tooth socket. dentist in Providence RI can help treat this condition, if you catch it early enough. Once the disease gets past a certain point, it becomes chronic and untreatable.

Periodontitis (inflammation of the tooth bed)

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection, and currently it sits second only to tooth decay as being the largest oral disease. Many people suffer gingivitis (gum inflammation), but several of those end up getting periodontitis (inflammation) because of a lack of treatment. After the age of 35, more people lose teeth due to periodontal disease than through tooth decay. Unlike tooth decay, periodontitis hurts very little; therefore it is detected late, and usually only by bleeding gums. If the inflammation is not treated in the early stage, it can progress at different rates.

Bleeding gums and bad breath

Dentists denote periodontitis as a “silent tooth killer,” and with good reason. About half of the patients had no visible warning signs. The first indications are:

* Redness of the gums with concomitant bleeding gums. Healthy gums are pale pink and do not bleed

* The gums are swollen for a longer amount of time

* Mouth odor is detectable

* The gums withdraw more and more, leaving dark triangles between the teeth

* The gum turn dark red to bluish-red

* Teeth change their position and become loose and possibly fall out

* When you press on the gums, a whitish, foul-smelling secretion erupts

Development of periodontitis

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the gums which by certain bacteria from dental plaque and tartar attack it. Familiarize yourself, as once deposits and bacteria appear under the gumline, as hard tartar (calculus) will soon form. In addition, gingival pockets are a gathering place for bacteria and their metabolic products. In the acute phase of inflammation, there are signs of bleeding and purulent discharge from the periodontal pocket, accompanied by a foul-mouth odor.

Soon after, bone and supporting tissue remains. The disease is usually relapsing. Rest periods can last up to one year. It is especially favored by poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress and systemic diseases such as diabetes. Even genetic components are discussed. The course can last for decades. Just remember that if periodontal disease goes untreated, it quickly leads to tooth loss. Contact Dentists in Providence RI for more information.

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