A periodontist in Phoenix is your last defense against gum disease when your regular dentist cannot help you. A periodontist has several more years of specialty training in dentistry than his colleagues. In fact, his training and advanced education allows him to use four of many different treatments to fight gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum disease is a condition that affects the tissues inside the tooth and the spongy bone below it. The tissues include blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the roots. Nerves that send sensations of hot, cold and sweet also make up the tissues. Spongy bone is not as strong as dense (thick and hard) bone tissue. However, its soft texture is still tough enough to support teeth. Gingivitis Gingivitis is the first and most common stage of gum disease. Characterized by swollen gums that tend to bleed easily during brushing or eating, gingivitis is treatable and reversible. A periodontist in Phoenix usually cleans underneath the gum line and around the teeth roots during treatment. Cleaning removes hard plaque and bacteria that gets trapped in these locations. With routine cleanings, your teeth can be healthier. The causes of mild gum disease include the following: · Smoking tobacco products · Experiencing high levels of stress · Practicing poor hygiene (not brushing three times a day or flossing at least once) · Eating unhealthy food · Experiencing a systematic disease that causes problems with all body tissues (for example, diabetes and lupus) Periodontitis Periodontitis is a severe and aggressive form of gum disease that develops from gingivitis. The disease produces an inflammatory reaction in the tissues that support your teeth (gums, ligaments and bone). The tissues develop pain and swelling from microorganisms (bacteria) that take up residence in the mouth. Your tissues also tend to bleed with or without stimulation. You may notice that your gums look slack around your teeth. This is the formation of pockets, which vary in depth, severity and size. Pockets can become large enough to expose the roots and bone of each tooth. This exposure allows more bacteria to enter, which increases the infection and inflammation. The ligaments also lose strength and their hold on your teeth. Untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss in the upper and lower jaws. A periondontist in Phoenix will most likely begin treatment by cleaning beneath the gum line and within the pockets. He needs to remove as much debris (plaque and bacteria) as he can during the cleaning. Once he removes these things, he reshapes the bone and roots. By doing this, he eliminates the possibility of microorganisms, plaque and food from invading the tissues. Over time, the pockets will shrink back to normal. Your gums will be less inflamed and painful. Your periodontist in Phoenix treats other forms of periodontitis, including chronic and necrotizing. Chronic conditions develop over time and can be quite severe. The support tissues slowly deteriorate until tooth loss happens. This type can occur in adults and children. Necrotizing refers to tissue death. Generally caused by systematic conditions like HIV, tissue dies in the gum and bone region. Loss of teeth is almost certain with this type of advanced gum disease. How Can You Help Keeping your mouth free from gum disease is the first weapon you have. You should brush your teeth after every meal to cut back on plaque buildup and the overgrowth of bacteria. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can be very hard to remove by yourself. Flossing between every tooth is essential. Seeing your periodontist in Phoenix for routine mouth cleanings is highly recommended and expected to prevent gum disease of any stage and age.
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