Answering Questions About Periodontal Disease in Helena, MT

Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding teeth. It is caused by bacteria and food debris accumulating around teeth and gums. This causes pockets to form surrounding the teeth, which then allows more food debris and bacteria to accumulate. The food debris and bacteria harden and sticks to the teeth. As more and more bacteria and food debris build up, the bone starts to deteriorate.

Periodontal disease may include the following gum conditions:

• Red irritated gums
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Painful gums

Other symptoms include:

• Pain
• Bad breath
• Exposed roots
• Loose teeth
• Changing the way teeth fit together

The treatment for periodontal disease is a deep cleaning.

For a deep cleaning, our periodontist will numb your gums and use specialized instruments and techniques to clean out the bacteria and food debris.

After the deep cleaning, continued gum therapy is needed. This is called periodontal maintenance. This is a targeted cleaning of pockets around the teeth. Typically, these visits are done every three to four months. This helps maintain clean pockets while the gums heal.

Unfortunately, no. Deep cleanings are prescribed when a patient has periodontal disease. Regular cleanings are intended to prevent periodontal disease and its conditions, not treat them.

Periodontal disease starts with food debris and bacteria building up on teeth and gums.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk factors of gum disease are:

• Initial stages of gum inflammation, known as gingivitis
• Neglecting proper oral hygiene
• Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco
• Hormonal shifts linked to events such as pregnancy or menopause
• Engaging in recreational drug use, for example, vaping or smoking marijuana
• Being overweight
• Dietary deficiencies, particularly low levels of vitamin C
• Genetic predisposition to dental issues
• Certain medications that reduce saliva production or affect gum health
• Medical conditions that compromise the immune system, like leukemia, HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatments
• Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

If left untreated, gum conditions and other symptoms could get worse. Gums will become more red, swollen, and painful. Also, periodontal disease can destroy the bone surrounding the teeth and could eventually result in tooth loss.