According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in gum diseaseadults. Luckily, periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. Catching periodontal disease early is crucial in successful treatment, making knowing the signs and symptoms of this condition an important factor in your oral health. Learn how to determine if you have periodontal disease with your dentists at Carey & Aylward Dentistry in Westland, MI.

What causes periodontal disease? 
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease comes from bacteria becoming trapped underneath the gums causing inflammation and infection. If bacteria remains on the teeth, it turns to the first stage of decay, the sticky white substance called plaque. If plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, it eventually hardens into tartar, which only a professional dental cleaning can remove. While tooth decay provides its own damage to the teeth in the form of cavities, it also causes the irritation and inflammation which are signs of periodontal disease.

Preventing Periodontal Disease
Regularly flossing underneath the gums and between the teeth and seeing your dentist for routine dental cleanings removes the plaque and bacteria from beneath the gums, decreasing the chances of gum disease development. This makes a strong oral care routine the most important part of preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay alike.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease 
Periodontal disease is often characterized by symptoms including:

  • bleeding gums
  • sore, irritated gums
  • swollen gums
  • gums which pull away from the teeth or recede
  • loosened teeth
  • unexplained bad breath
  • difficulty chewing

Periodontal Disease Treatments in Westland, MI
In its first stages, patients can reverse periodontal disease like gingivitis with a professional cleaning and flossing once a day. This removes the bacteria and plaque from underneath the gums and gives them a chance to heal. More severe periodontal diseases like gingivitis in its later stages or periodontitis may require a deeper, periodontal cleaning, or procedures like flap surgery, which temporarily moves the gums to clean all the way up the tooth’s root.

For more information on periodontal disease, please contact Dr. Dennis Aylward, Dr. Brent Carey, or Dr. Allison Carey at Carey and Aylward Dentistry in Westland, MI. Call (734) 425-9130 to schedule your appointment with your dentist today!


Westland, MI Dentist Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC
32540 Warren Road Westland, MI 48185 (734) 425-9130 Dentist in Westland, MI Call For Pricing Options