Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Periodontitis can be caused by a number of different things. The primary offender is plaque which is formed during the early stages. Bacteria build up which causes the gums to be irritated, and if left long enough the plaque will accumulate along the gums and calcify into calculus, commonly known as tartar. As your gums try to get away from the plaque and calculus, they begin to recede and pockets form around the teeth. These deep pockets are difficult to clean, even with ample flossing and brushing, meaning that more bacteria build up in these areas which causes the pockets to get even deeper.

Other causes can include medical conditions such as diabetes. Habits such as smoking and poor oral hygiene lead to the development of periodontitis

One of the best ways to deal with periodontitis is to actually prevent it entirely. This can be achieved through excellent oral hygiene and avoiding habits like smoking

If periodontitis is left untreated this can lead to teeth falling out prematurely and damage to the bone of the jaw. It’s a condition that gets progressively worse if left untreated. If you’re in need of help with identifying, preventing or treating periodontitis, then don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d be happy to work together with you to help you understand the condition and how you can best manage it so that you don’t risk losing your teeth or suffering long-term damage to your oral health.