Dental problems, generally speaking, tend to scare people. The descriptions usually include words that are difficult to decipher, and the articles always describe symptoms that everyone might experience at some point in their lives, which only makes them all the more intimidating or even frightening. However, here, on the blog of the Hungarian Dental Clinic, we aim to calm your nerves by explaining your symptoms, preparing you for what course of treatment you might need to undergo, and educating you about your possibilities. In the article below, we have collected the most crucial pieces of information about periodontal disease – it may sound bad but let us show you how easily it can be prevented.
What is periodontal disease exactly?
Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria in your mouth infects the tissue surrounding your teeth, or to put it more simply: bacteria gets under your gum. Once it’s there, it can easily cause inflammation both in your gum and in your bone, by forming plaque, which then later becomes tartar. The earlier stage is called gingivitis; that is the stage when your gums get swollen and red, and it may bleed. If it goes untreated, it can become periodontitis, which is the more serious form of the same problem, and it can result in teeth loss.
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
Since periodontal disease is in tight correlation with tartar build-up on your teeth and even below your gum, the first and most important thing you can check is your dental hygiene. Naturally, there are steps that you can do at home to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay, for example, choosing the correct toothbrush, paste, and flossing, but you should never skip dental check-ups either. Spotting the problem in time is key in avoiding and preventing diseases. We must also mention that there are certain aspects that may increase your chances of developing periodontal disease, such as diabetes, smoking, taking oral contraceptives, or extreme stress, just to mention a few.
It’s also important to note that once there is a tartar build-up below your gums, you cannot adequately clean your own teeth at home, and you should consult your dentist and book an appointment for professional teeth cleaning. It’s also useful to get your teeth cleaned by a professional every once in a while, so we urge you to book your appointment at the Hungarian Dental Clinic as soon as possible. Once you’re diagnosed with gingivitis, it is crucial that you regularly schedule cleanings, and focus on good oral hygiene to control the disease and prevent it from getting worse. While gingivitis is relatively easy to take care of, more progressed forms of periodontal disease are more difficult to treat; it’s worth booking a cleaning now.
Symptoms you should look out for
If you suddenly have bad breath or bad taste that seems to stick around and does not go away even after brushing your teeth thoroughly; if your gum is red and/or swollen and it is tender or bleeds; if it is painful to chew your food; if your teeth are sensitive or loose; if your gum pulling away from your teeth, you might have developed, or you may be developing periodontal disease. Any of the above-mentioned symptoms should warn you to book a consultation with your dentist, but if you experience any other change in the way your teeth and gums feel while brushing your teeth or eating, you should check in with your dentist.
It might be nothing, but you might catch a disease just in time. Periodontal disease is relatively easy to treat, and it is a common problem, but it is something to keep your eye on. We cannot stress the importance of good oral hygiene, and regular check-ups (at least once a year, if not more regularly). If you feel like your gums feel a bit warmer, or swollen, or you have bad breath that might already be a sign that you should book an appointment with your dentist. At the Hungarian Dental Clinic in Letterkenny, you can even book your appointments online or via phone.