Dentists are adamant about educating patients on oral health care habits for good reason—certain conditions can develop that cannot be cured. For example, periodontal disease is an infection that can develop in the smile and requires extensive treatment to address.
What is periodontal disease?
Dr. Sharon E. Schindler describes periodontal disease, or “gum disease,” as an infection that impacts the soft tissues of the mouth and can spread. It can become a serious problem for the soft tissues, the jawbone, and the natural teeth. Periodontal disease is completely avoidable with proper dental care, eliminating it as a risk for the smile. However, when it does develop, patients may notice some of the following common symptoms:
- Bad breath not improved with brushing and flossing
- Red, swollen gum tissues
- Inflamed gum tissues
- Pocket development between gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Bone loss of the jawbone seen in x-rays
When any of these conditions develop in the smile, it is time to contact Schindler Dentistry for a full evaluation. Our team of professionals can provide an immediate diagnosis and create a treatment plan to address. While periodontal disease cannot be cured, it can be addressed to keep patients from loosing more tissue, bone, or teeth. Treatment can take time and additional visits to the dentist to ensure patients are making progress in combatting their condition.
Who is at risk of developing periodontal disease?
No matter how well a patient takes care of their teeth and gums, they may already be predisposed to developing periodontal disease due to other ailments or factors. Patients who are more likely to develop periodontal disease are patients who:
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have diabetes
- Have a genetic predisposition
- Experience high levels of street
- Take certain medications
- Have poor nutrition
- Have had poor dental work performed in the past
- Experience hormonal changes and variations
- Are immunocompromised
- Have connective tissue diseases
- Have had periodontal disease in the past
Do you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Contact the team at Schindler Dentistry in Columbus, OH today for a full evaluation with Dr. Sharon E. Schindler. Our practice is conveniently located at 775 Yard Street, Suite #175. Call (614) 586-0609 today to schedule your appointment.