Periodontitis: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Good daily hygiene helps prevent periodontal disease. Adding a Waterpik™ water flosser to your oral care routine is one of the most effective ways to improve gum health.
Periodontitis Symptoms
Periodontitis produces a number of unpleasant symptoms. However, symptoms can be an opportunity to take control of your oral health. Be proactive and schedule an appointment if you notice these potential periodontitis symptoms:
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sore or tender gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth feel when you bite or chew
- Pus around the gumline
Causes of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss. It occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gingivitis, a treatable condition, is when plaque bacteria causes gum inflammation, which in turn leads to infection. Therefore, by treating gingivitis you can prevent periodontitis.
When gingivitis advances to periodontitis, pathogenic bacteria and its toxins can damage the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place.
Gingivitis & Periodontitis
Keep in mind that because periodontitis and gingivitis are related, they share some periodontal disease symptoms. If you do not treat periodontitis, in time, damage to the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth can lead to tooth loss. That's why it's important to see a dentist or periodontist as soon as gingivitis or periodontitis symptoms become apparent.
Treating Periodontitis
Unfortunately, once it gets past a certain point, reversing periodontitis damage isn't possible. But a good oral care routine can assist you in preventing future damage. The right tools help; for instance, a WATERPIK water flosser uses an effective combination of water pulsation and pressure to clean where brushing and flossing can't reach.
50% More Effective
In clinical research on reversing gingivitis and improving gum health, the WATERPIK water flosser was up to 50% more effective than traditional string floss.
Professional Diagnosis
Treatment of periodontitis depends on the extent of the disease. It can involve a combination of special dental cleaning procedures, medications, and surgery. Your dentist or periodontist can best diagnose your status and prepare a treatment plan for your specific needs.
