What is periodontal disease and how do you treat it?
What is periodontal disease and how do you treat it?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth, caused by bacteria buildup. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, but the good news is that we can treat it and stop the damage. I’m Dr. Emily, principal dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic with over 15 years of experience treating gum disease in patients from all over the world. Having treated more than 50,000 patients, I’ve seen how proper periodontal care can save teeth and improve overall health. Let me explain what periodontal disease is, how it develops, and what we can do to treat it.
How Gum Disease Starts and Progresses
Gum disease begins with something called gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. Your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily when you brush or floss. This happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along your gumline. If you don’t remove plaque through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar that only a dentist can remove. At this early stage, gingivitis is completely reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. However, if gingivitis goes untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which is much more serious. The infection spreads below the gumline and starts destroying the bone that holds your teeth in place. Your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can hide. These pockets get deeper over time, and the bone loss continues until teeth become loose. You might notice bad breath that won’t go away, receding gums that make your teeth look longer, or teeth that shift position. Some people experience pain when chewing or increased sensitivity to hot and cold.
The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health
Many patients are surprised to learn that gum disease affects more than just your mouth. Research shows strong links between periodontal disease and serious health conditions throughout your body. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and travel to other organs. Studies have found connections between gum disease and heart disease, with some bacteria from the mouth being found in heart vessels. Diabetic patients with gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Pregnant women with periodontal disease have a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. The chronic inflammation from gum disease puts stress on your entire immune system. People with severe gum disease are more likely to develop respiratory infections. There’s even emerging research linking gum disease to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Taking care of your gums isn’t just about saving your teeth, it’s about protecting your whole body. This is why I take periodontal treatment so seriously and encourage all my patients to maintain healthy gums.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on how advanced the condition is when you come to see us. For early stage gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care are usually enough. We remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques. For periodontitis, we perform a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing, which goes below the gumline. We numb your gums so the procedure is comfortable, then carefully clean the root surfaces of your teeth. This removes bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue from the pockets around your teeth. We may treat one or two sections of your mouth per visit, depending on the severity. Sometimes we place antibiotic gel directly into the pockets to kill remaining bacteria. In more severe cases, you might need gum surgery to reduce deep pockets and reshape the bone. The goal of all treatment is to eliminate infection, stop bone loss, and create an environment you can keep clean. After treatment, you’ll need more frequent cleanings, usually every three to four months instead of every six months.
Preventing Gum Disease From Coming Back
Once we’ve treated your gum disease, prevention becomes your new priority to keep it from returning. Brushing twice a day for two full minutes each time is essential, making sure to angle your brush toward the gumline. Flossing daily removes bacteria and food from between teeth where your brush can’t reach. Some patients find that electric toothbrushes or water flossers help them clean more effectively. Quit smoking if you smoke, because tobacco is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. Come in for your scheduled maintenance cleanings every three to four months without fail. During these visits, we measure your pocket depths to make sure the disease isn’t coming back. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals that support gum health. Manage any health conditions like diabetes that can affect your gums. Watch for warning signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or changes in how your teeth fit together. Catching any problems early means we can address them before they become serious again.
Who Is Most at Risk
While anyone can develop gum disease, certain people are at higher risk and need to be extra vigilant. Smokers are much more likely to develop severe gum disease and have a harder time healing after treatment. People with diabetes have a higher risk, especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled. Genetics play a role, so if your parents had gum disease, you’re more susceptible. Women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause that can make gums more vulnerable. Patients taking certain medications that cause dry mouth have less saliva to wash away bacteria. People with compromised immune systems from conditions like HIV or cancer treatment are at increased risk. Stress weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight gum infections. Poor nutrition deprives your body of the nutrients needed to maintain healthy gums. Teeth that are crowded or crooked are harder to clean, allowing more bacteria to accumulate. If any of these risk factors apply to you, regular dental checkups are even more important for catching problems early.
Protect Your Gums and Your Health
Don’t let gum disease threaten your teeth and overall health. The caring professionals at Picasso Dental Clinic specialize in treating and preventing periodontal disease with gentle, effective care. Our clinics in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are equipped with the latest technology to give you the best possible outcomes. Schedule your periodontal evaluation today and take control of your gum health.
