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| Lubbock Periodontics |
The term "periodontics" refers to the dental
specialty that pertains to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
periodontal disease that affects the gums and jawbone. The gum tissues serve to
surround and support the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors teeth firmly
in place.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which begins
with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. Periodontal disease is typically
signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but in some cases has no
noticeable symptoms. Periodontal disease generally begins when the bacteria
living in plaque cause an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth,
causing them to become irritated and painful. Eventually, this infection will
cause the jawbone to recede and the teeth to become loose.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to take good
care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes brushing your teeth after
every meal and before bedtime, flossing at least once each day, and seeing Dr. Lisa Wentz for regular exams twice a year.
Periodontal
disease is often silent, meaning the signs and symptoms may not appear until an
advanced stage of the disease. However, you should still be on the lookout for
the signs and symptoms, which include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
If you
notice any of these symptoms, be sure to contact Lubbock Periodontics right
away.
Can children be at risk for developing periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only
sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the
importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal
disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn
how to floss properly. As a parent, you should also be aware of the
warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums
or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms,
tell your child’s dentist right away.
