You’ve heard of periodontitis, but how do you know if you have it? And if you do, how is it treated? Your dentist in Onalaska, WI, can tell you more about periodontitis, including its common symptoms and causes.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a fancy term for advanced gum disease. If you go a long time without seeing your dentist, or if your at-home oral-hygiene routine is lacking, you may be at risk of developing this painful condition.

Periodontitis is actually an infection in your gums, and it’s caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a form of bacteria. Without regular trips to the dentist to have plaque removed, it can harden and from tartar, which is a precursor to periodontitis.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Periodontitis?

If you see your dentist for regular cleaning, you most likely won’t have to worry about developing periodontitis. But common signs to watch out for include:

• Swollen, red, and painful gums
• Gums that are tender or that bleed during brushing
• Pain when chewing
• Chronic bad breath
• Loosening teeth

If you do develop gum disease, a few trips to your dentist can usually stop it in its tracks. However, if the disease progresses, you may need more aggressive forms of intervention or restorative dental work.

How Is Periodontitis Treated?

Treatment for periodontitis begins with removing stuck-on tartar from your teeth. Your dentist will do this by using an instrument or laser to scale your teeth. This may be followed by root-planing, which smooths the root areas of the teeth to help the gums re-adhere. Afterward, you may begin a round of antibiotics to stave off any further infection.

Treatment for periodontitis in Onalaska, WI, begins with making an appointment with your dentist. Call Valley Dental today to set up a convenient time to come in. Our dental professionals are ready to answer all your questions regarding the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.