Is Periodontal Disease the Same Thing as a Gum Infection?

Looking for more information on periodontal disease? Being diagnosed with any dental-related disease will cause harm to one’s oral health, making it essential for everyone to make regular dental check-up appointments. This type of appointment specifically looks for signs and symptoms of disease that can affect the structures that support teeth.

About periodontal disease

Want to understand more about periodontal disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. There are four different stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease and advanced periodontal disease. Each stage becomes more serious and damaging to one’s oral health, making early disease treatment necessary to prevent major problems to one’s gums and teeth.

About gum infections

Gum infections tend to happen when someone does not practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis. When the bad bacteria in one’s mouth is allowed to build up due to not flossing and brushing as one should, this bacteria will begin to infect the gum tissue in the mouth. This infection will eventually cause the gums to become so inflamed, the teeth are affected as well. Common symptoms associated with gum infections include swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, chronic bad breath and loose teeth.

These two oral health problems are the same

The fact that gum infections can cause someone to be diagnosed with periodontal disease means that these two common dental problems are considered to be the same thing. A gum infection is thus the first sign that someone has a periodontal disease. Risk factors that make someone more susceptible to being diagnosed with a gum infection include smoking, taking certain medications, having crooked teeth, having an underlying immune system problem and having other family members who often experience gum infections.

Anyone who is exhibiting any signs of gum infection needs to undergo treatment as soon as possible to stop the infection from getting worse. One of the main goals of treatment is to reduce the bacteria in one’s mouth, as the removal of this buildup can immediately improve one’s overall oral health. Another goal is to teach the patient how to prevent future buildups of bad bacteria, which includes following a proper oral hygiene routine.

In need of periodontal disease treatment?

When someone is living with periodontal disease, it means that their oral health is in jeopardy. This is why there is such importance placed on regular dental appointments, as these can help find and treat any oral issues before they can become a serious problem. Even though periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, if not treated in a timely manner, it will not only destroy the health of one’s gums, but it will also eventually lead to a loss of one or more teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.westtexasperio.com or call Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (432) 538-3318 for an appointment in our Odessa office.

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