Gum disease, referred to by Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of 32 Dental as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to control it. The condition, once developed, cannot be cured, but it can be maintained and kept from getting any worse over the course of time. To do so, patients must work closely with their dental team and visit regularly for treatments.
Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis. This is the mild, first stage of the condition that results in inflammation of the gums which may become red and bleed. When patients notice these symptoms, they are encouraged to visit with their dentist as soon as possible for immediate treatment to keep the condition from worsening.
When left unaddressed, gingivitis may become more serious and result in further problems such as the shrinking of gum tissue, further swelling of the gums, and the loosening of teeth. Underneath gum tissue, the bone of the jaw may begin to disintegrate, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out without effective intervention. Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley want patients to avoid this later stage of aggressive periodontitis by seeking treatment as soon as the symptoms are spotted.
Some patients are at a higher risk for developing gum disease and must take more precautions than others to ensure the condition does not develop and advance. Some risk factors include:
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
- Systemic conditions
- Certain medications
- HIV positive patients
- Poor nutrition
- Systemic diseases
- Genetic predisposition
- Aging
- Smoking
Patients in the Marietta and Kennesaw, Georgia area and surrounding communities are welcome to contact the team of 32 Dental to schedule a consultation visit and examination to learn more about the causes and symptoms of gum disease. With the knowledge necessary to determine when problems occur, patients can seek intervention at the earlier stages and quite possibly avoid the condition altogether with good oral health care habits at home with routine dental visits.