Dentist in Greenville SC discusses periodontal disease

Did you know the health of your gums is important to your overall health? Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, and in many cases, is completely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Early intervention is extremely important when treating gum disease. When caught early, the symptoms of the disease can be reversed. If left to progress, advanced stage periodontal treatment usually deals with stopping the progression and restorative services for missing teeth.
 
Periodontal disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and often goes undiagnosed due to lack of symptoms. Some guests may notice gum inflammation or bleeding while brushing, but many do not notice any symptoms. Gingivitis can be reversed through professional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene at home. If it is left untreated, the disease will advance to periodontitis.
 
Once gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, there is usually damage to both the gum and bone. Treatment focuses on preventing progression and fixing the damage. Depending on the severity of bone loss, guests may suffer from tooth loss.
 
Because gum disease is often discovered at an advanced stage, it is important to focus on prevention. Proper oral care including daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups, and a well-balanced diet can help prevent gum disease. If you notice symptoms such as chronic bad breath, bleeding, or inflammation, schedule an appointment immediately. Ignoring the signs of gum disease can have a big impact on oral health. Early treatment can mean the difference between keeping your natural teeth and requiring prosthetic ones.
 
At Palmer Distinctive Dentistry we help our guests with a biological approach to dentistry. If you are in the Greenville, SC area and believe you have symptoms of gum disease, call Dr. Palmer to schedule an evaluation.
 
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