Gum disease is a condition that affects nearly half of American adults over the age of 35, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are different stages and types of the disease, and knowing about them can help you be better prepared to fight this chronic inflammation of the gums. Keep reading to learn about gum disease in Belmont — your oral and overall health depends on it.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria around your teeth, which initiate a chronic inflammation in your gum tissue. If such inflammation persists for a longer period of time it will lead to bone loss around your teeth and deep pockets between your teeth and gums. Those pockets are a great niche for bacteria to accumulate, which increases the existing inflammation. This vicious circle can lead to the loss of several or all of your teeth. Smokers and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
4 Types of Gum Disease
In the beginning stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis and can often still be reversed. Once it has progressed to periodontal (gum) disease, however, you will require more specialized treatment.
There are 4 types of gum disease. They include:
- Aggressive, which is associated with a rapid deterioration of bone and gum tissue.
- Chronic, the most common type of gum disease, often develops due to insufficient oral hygiene and is characterized by slowly progressing bone loss around your teeth. This is most common in older adults.
- Periodontitis that occurs as a result of systemic diseases, such as diabetes or leukemia. This type of gum disease can occur at any age.
- Necrotizing periodontal disease, which is characterized by dying gingival tissues. This often occurs as a result of serious conditions like HIV or severe malnutrition.
To learn more about the different types of gum disease, don’t hesitate to talk to our periodontist Dr. Alexander Schrott. You can also find additional helpful information from the American Academy of Periodontology.
Gum Disease Treatment
Your periodontist in Belmont treats all types of gum disease. Undergoing frequent checkups and cleanings will ensure that periodontal disease is caught as early as possible — when detected in the beginning stages, gum disease can often be reversed.
For moderate levels of gum disease, scaling and root planing (SRP) can be effective. More significant cases may require surgical treatment or gum grafting to replace lost gum tissue.
Whatever treatment you require, you can feel confident knowing you have a well-trained and experienced specialist on your side. Don’t wait to get started on your treatment plan, no matter what type of gum disease you have!
About the Practice
Dr. Alexander Schrott provides comprehensive and advanced periodontal and dental implant care for patients in and around Boston. To learn more about his services, including gum disease treatment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the office at 617-484 9240 or visit our webpage at www.schrott-perio-implants.com.