Some diseases are common knowledge, and even if you may not know everything about them, you may have at least some understanding of how it occurs and what a few symptoms are. But what about periodontal disease? Unless you happen to be passionate about dental science (like we are!) or know someone in the dental industry, you might not have heard of it before. Well, it’s an important thing to know since according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, two in five adults in the U.S. are affected by periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease 101

Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the gum becomes inflamed and infected. If not treated, periodontal disease can go from a mild case, known as gingivitis, to a more serious form of the disease, known as periodontitis. These days, there are many different types of treatment for periodontal disease, including deep cleanings and laser gum therapy.

How Periodontal Disease Occurs

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria is left to build up on the teeth, it turns into plaque and tartar, and then that builds up around and under the gumline. One of the best and easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to properly clean your teeth with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss every single day.

Most Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease include red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, and a persistent bad breath (unrelated to what you most recently ate). In more serious cases of periodontal disease, signs could be gums that have started to pull away from your teeth, loose permanent teeth and a change in how your teeth fit together.

Periodontal Care at Mission Hills Family Dental

If you think you might be dealing with periodontal disease, contact Mission Hills Family Dental for treatment. We provide periodontal care at our practice in San Marcos, and we would be happy to get you back to healthy gums.