Periodontics
Effective Periodontal Disease Treatment in Boise, ID
Periodontitis is a common dental issue that affects more than 3 million people per year. Scott E. Hayhurst Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental services to treat periodontal disease for patients in the Boise area. Since 2001, our practice has been a top-rated dental office in the region and we put an emphasis on patient education and good oral hygiene practice at home. Not only will treat periodontitis issues, we’ll provide you with the knowledge on how to avoid it in the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What Is Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an oral health condition that causes inflammation and infection of the gum tissue and surrounding bone.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, side effects from medication, or genetics.
What Are Periodontal Disease Symptoms?
If you are aware of the early warning signs of periodontal disease, you can get treatment quickly and slow the progression of the disease. In the earliest stages of the disease, symptoms can be treated, and the disease can be slowed or halted through treatment and lifestyle changes. The most common symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Painful or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Gum recession or gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Changes in alignment, or the way your teeth fit together
- Swollen gum tissue
- Red or purple gum tissue
- Pain when brushing your teeth, flossing, or chewing
- Teeth that feel loose or wiggly
What Are the Different Types of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease progresses through four different stages. The symptoms of the disease worsen as it progresses. The four stages of periodontal disease are:
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms include red, puffy gums that bleed and feel tender. Gingivitis is reversible with swift periodontal disease treatment.
- Mild Periodontitis – Mild periodontitis occurs when bacteria gets underneath your gum tissues and affects the surrounding bone. Your gums begin to pull away from your teeth.
- Moderate Periodontitis – Moderate periodontitis occurs when bacteria begin to erode the gums and soft tissue and cause bad breath, pus, and pain.
- Advanced Periodontitis – Advanced periodontitis is not reversible, and symptoms can only be managed. It may cause bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
The biggest risk factors for periodontal disease are poor oral hygiene, smoking, unmanaged diabetes, autoimmune disease, heart disease, and genetics. You can reduce your risk of periodontal disease by:
- Following a consistent, daily oral hygiene routine
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash
- Quitting smoking or tobacco use
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding high-sugar drinks and foods
- Visiting the dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disease
Schedule a Consultation for Periodontal Disease Treatment
At Scott E. Hayhurst Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Hayhurst and our experienced team of dental professionals can evaluate your oral health and determine if you have gum disease or advancing periodontal disease. We will create a personalized periodontal disease treatment plan designed to slow or halt the progression of your symptoms or address complications like tooth decay, loose teeth, receding gums, and tooth loss. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for periodontal disease treatment in Boise, ID.