Introduction

Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do they look red or swollen? While many people dismiss these as minor issues, they are often the first warning signs of periodontal disease, a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health. This "silent" disease often progresses without pain, making it dangerously easy to ignore. This article will cover everything you need to know: what periodontal disease is, its stages, the symptoms to watch for, and most importantly, how the expert team at Dental Dr. Lončarević can effectively treat it and restore your gum health.

What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that attacks the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It’s caused by the bacteria in plaque—a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.

If plaque isn't removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. When this tartar and plaque spread below the gum line, the bacteria cause an infection. Your body's immune system fights the bacteria, but the resulting inflammation can start to destroy the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.

The Two Main Stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gum disease progresses in stages. Understanding them can help you seek treatment at the right time.

1. Gingivitis: This is the earliest, mildest stage of periodontal disease. At this point, the gums are red, swollen, and may bleed easily. The good news? Gingivitis is completely reversible with professional treatment and a solid at-home oral hygiene routine.

2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation has spread below the gum line. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating "pockets" that trap more bacteria and become infected. As the disease advances, these pockets deepen, and the infection destroys more gum tissue and bone. This can cause teeth to become loose, change your bite, and ultimately, they may need to be extracted.

Warning Signs: Do You Have Gum Disease?

Because periodontal disease is often painless in its early stages, many people don't know they have it. You should schedule an examination with Dental Dr. Lončarević if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Gums that bleed when you brush, floss, or eat

• Red, swollen, puffy, or tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth (making your teeth look longer)

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that doesn't go away

• Pus appearing between your teeth and gums

• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• Loose or shifting teeth

If you're experiencing any of these, don't wait. Early intervention is the key to saving your teeth and your health.

The Body-Mouth Connection: A Threat to Your Overall Health

Periodontal disease isn't just a problem for your mouth. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from this infection can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to a host of serious systemic health issues, including:

• Heart Disease and Stroke

• Diabetes (making it harder to control blood sugar)

• Respiratory Infections

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Complications during pregnancy

Treating your gum disease isn't just about your smile; it's a crucial part of protecting your entire body.

Your Solution: Expert Periodontal Treatment at Dental Dr. Lončarević

The moment you suspect you have gum disease, you need a team you can trust. Dental Dr. Lončarević is the perfect place to get the expert care you need. We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating periodontal disease using the most effective, modern techniques.

Our treatment approach is tailored to you:

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to measure pocket depths and assess bone loss, giving us a complete picture of your gum health.

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): For early to moderate periodontitis, this is the gold standard. We gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, then smooth the tooth roots to help your gums reattach.

• Personalized Maintenance Plan: Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs to be managed. We will create a custom follow-up plan of regular cleanings to keep the disease in check and ensure your gums stay healthy for life.

• Patient Education: We believe in empowering you. We'll show you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques to manage your health at home.

You can learn more about our patient-focused approach on our homepage. We don't just treat the disease; we partner with you to restore your health.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Gum Health Today

Periodontal disease is a serious threat, but it is not a life sentence for your smile. With early detection and the right professional care, it can be controlled and managed, allowing you to keep your teeth and protect your overall health.

If you have any concerns about your gums, do not wait for the problem to get worse. The expert and caring team at Dental Dr. Lončarević is here to help you fight back against gum disease and reclaim your healthy, confident smile.

Your health is our priority. Call us today for more information or to book your comprehensive periodontal evaluation at +387 61 013 177.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is periodontal treatment painful? A: At Dental Dr. Lončarević, your comfort is paramount. Procedures like scaling and root planing are typically performed with local anesthetic to ensure you feel no discomfort. You may have some mild tenderness afterward, but this is temporary and easily managed.

Q: Can receding gums grow back? A: Once gum tissue is lost to periodontal disease, it does not grow back on its own. However, our treatments are designed to stop the progression immediately. In some advanced cases, we can discuss specialized procedures like gum grafting to restore lost tissue.

Q: Is periodontal disease curable? A: Gingivitis (the first stage) is curable. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage, is not "curable" in the traditional sense, as the lost bone will not regrow. However, it is a chronic condition that can be very successfully managed and controlled with professional treatment and a partnership between you and your dentist.

Q: How do I know if I'm at risk? A: Poor oral hygiene is the biggest cause. Other factors that increase your risk include smoking, genetics, diabetes, stress, and certain medications. Regular check-ups at Dental Dr. Lončarević are the best way to assess your personal risk.