Periodontal Disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue and the underlying bone around the teeth will dissolve and will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place. Generally periodontal disease isn’t painful, so it is possible to have it and not be aware of it.
What causes Periodontal Disease?
As many other oral health diseases, bacteria and plaque buildup is often the culprit. In fact, plaque buildup (which contains many species of bacteria) is the leading cause of gum disease. Other factors that contribute to gum disease include:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle choices
- A diet low in nutrients
- Smoking/ the use of smokeless tobacco
- Autoimmune or systemic diseases
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes in the body
- Bruxism (incessant clenching of the teeth)
- Certain medications
Periodontal Treatment
Paxton Dental, periodontal health is always a high priority. We try to make it as non-invasive and cost-effective as possible. We use non-surgical periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planning (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins). Ask us if periodontal therapy is right for you.
Call us today at 801-969-3752 for a free evaluation.
Copyright 2015 - Dr. Bartholomew Paxton - All Rights Reserved
PaxtonSmiles.com
