Oral Surgeon in Tampa | What is Periodontal Disease?

Did you know that over 45% of adults have periodontal disease? Periodontal—or gum disease—is the accumulation of bacteria buildup in the mouth. Your oral surgeon in Tampa knows how to treat periodontal disease so keep reading to learn more!

What It Is

For starters, periodontal disease is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Once the bacteria intensifies dental plaque is created. When the plaque is left on your teeth, your gums become swollen. This can also create early inflammation leading to gingivitis.

Gingivitis is gum disease in the early stages. If gingivitis is left untreated, the area becomes periodontal disease.  

Causes

Equally important, are daily factors that contribute to periodontal disease.

These include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Certain medication use (such as AIDS)
• Poor brushing and flossing

Moreover, gum disease is caused if you don’t practice a regular oral hygiene routine. Poor brushing and flossing habits lead to a plaque buildup called “tartar.” This tartar hardens on your teeth and can only be removed by a professional deep cleaning.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

You may have gum disease if you have:

• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth
• Stagnant bad breath
• Swollen or red gums
• Painful chewing

Diagnosis

Furthermore, to identify if you have periodontal disease we perform an extensive examination. We examine your gums to look for signs of inflammation. In addition, we may take an x-ray to thoroughly examine your mouth to ensure that there is no underlying gum swelling.

As always, it’s important to make regularly scheduled appointments for early prevention so you can plan ahead!

Contact Your Best Oral Surgeon in Tampa Today!

Lastly, your teeth are our priority! That’s why we’re experts in treating periodontal disease so you can smile again. Contact our office to make an appointment!