Home » Blog » What is Periodontal Disease and how is this treated?

What is Periodontal Disease and how is this treated?

A large number of people in the UK suffer from periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease. This is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Many of these people end up suffering from periodontal disease because they have bad flossing or poor brushing habits. This allows sticky bacteria, known as plaque, to form on your teeth. This builds up and hardens, and it can eventually result in tooth loss.
If your gums are sore, red, and swollen, there is a high chance that you have periodontal disease. The same applies if your gums bleed whenever you floss, brush your teeth, or eat hard foods, such as apples.
If you suspect that you have gum disease, the best thing to do is book an appointment with your dentist. After all, gum disease can result in tooth loss if you do not get it treated. It can also cause your gums to shrink and for you to have bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. This is why it is better to see a dentist sooner rather than later so that they can get you on the right treatment path.

What treatment options are there for periodontal disease?

Your dentist will be able to assess your gums and advise on the best course of action. If you have caught the gum disease early enough, they may simply clean your teeth professionally for you and give you some advice on how to maintain good oral health habits at home.
However, if you have advanced periodontal disease, surgical treatments may be required. Examples here include bone grafting, soft tissue grafts, flap surgery (also known as pocket reduction surgery), tissue-stimulating proteins, and guided tissue regeneration.
It is worth pointing out that surgery will only be required as a last resort. There are a number of different treatments and techniques that dentists will try before they resort to surgery. For example, you may be given a course of antibiotics to try first.

Contact us today if you suspect you have periodontal disease
If you are worried that you may have periodontal disease, please get in touch with the team today for more information. We have a kind and caring team that will put you at ease and make sure you get the treatment you need, setting you on the path to a healthier mouth.