Periodontal Gum Disease and Oral Health

Periodontal gum disease can be separated into two general categories; gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis is more serious than gingivitis and affects the gums, the surrounding bone (causing bone loss), and the supportive structures of the teeth.

Symptoms of Periodontitis Gum Disease

In addition to the signs and symptoms of gingivitis, periodontitis gum disease symptoms include:

• A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath
• Gums that pull away from the teeth or receding gums
• Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth feel when you bite or chew
• Wider spaces between your teeth
• Gums that are tender or sore to the touch
• Pus around the gum line

Causes of Periodontitis Gum Disease

Bacteria in plaque are the main cause of gingivitis and periodontitis gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continuously forms on the teeth and under the gum line. The bacteria release toxins, especially below the gum line, that irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation.

The gums will eventually break down and separate from the teeth causing a deep space called periodontal pockets. These pockets are very difficult to clean and the bacteria are allowed to grow and multiply. Other contributors to the risk and severity of periodontal gum disease and oral health problems are smoking and diabetes.

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment and the Waterpik Dental Water Jet Oral Irrigator

View Product  |   Buy Now »

The best way to treat periodontal gum disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Adding a Waterpik® dental water jet oral irrigator to daily oral care is one of the fastest and most effective ways to prevent gum disease. Invented by a dentist, the Waterpik^® dental water jet oral irrigator offers the best combination of pulsation and pressure to clean where traditional methods, such as brushing, flossing, or rinsing, cannot reach.

If you have been treated for periodontal gum disease, it is not uncommon to have remaining periodontal pockets. To improve cleaning, use a Waterpik^® dental water jet oral irrigator with a tip called the Pik Pocket™ Subgingival Tip. This tip is easy to use and gently cleans deeper periodontal pockets.

Treatment for periodontal gum disease depends on the extent of the disease. Your dentist or periodontist will diagnosis your periodontal status and prepare a treatment plan for your specific needs.