As bacteria accumulate in the mouth, the health of your teeth and gums can decrease. A lack of dental care will eventually lead to chronic periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, which can have a significant impact on your oral health without the proper intervention.
Chronic periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss when the infection makes its way to bone tissue. Fortunately, treatment of advancing gum disease can prevent more serious effects and help you maintain your oral health.
Periodontitis can be addressed by surgical and non-surgical treatments depending on the severity of the infection. With advance cases, dental surgeons can repair damaged tissue and use grafts to replace receded gums. Non-surgical approaches, including scaling and root planning procedures, thoroughly clean tooth enamel while smoothing tooth roots to prevent more bacteria from accumulating.
In both instances, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics to manage bacterial infections. Topical gels can be applied directly to gum tissue, while antibiotic mouth wash can be swished around the mouth to fight bacteria. You may also receive antibiotic medication in pill form, and it is important to take all medication according to instructions, even if your symptoms begin to improve.
In addition to treatment, people with chronic periodontal disease must take the proper steps to keep gum tissue in good shape. These steps can include:
Keep in mind that your diet can affect the health of your gums and teeth, so focus on wholesome foods and avoid items with lots of sugar. Smoking can also harm gum tissue by delaying healing, along with many other negative health effects. If you currently smoke, talk with your doctor about effective cessation methods like nicotine patches and lozenges.