Periodontology

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that affects the gum tissue and jawbones that support your teeth. This disease falls under gum disease or periodontology. Periodontitis usually develops as a result of a milder form of gingivitis and is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Main symptoms of periodontitis:

• Red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
• Mobility of teeth or gaps between them
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• The formation of pus between the teeth and gums

Why does periodontitis occur?

The most important factors in the development of periodontitis are inadequate oral hygiene and bacterial plaque, but there are other compelling reasons why gum disease occurs.

• Bacterial plaque – if bacterial plaque is not properly removed from the surface of the teeth, it can become hard and form tartar. The bacteria under the tartar in turn cause gingivitis.
• Poor oral hygiene – inadequate brushing and flossing increases the formation of dental plaque and tartar, which in turn increases the risk of periodontitis
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, puberty, menopause and menstruation can make gums more sensitive and promote inflammation
• Diseases – certain diseases, such as diabetes, HIV, and some forms of cancer, can increase the risk of periodontitis
• Medications – some medications can reduce saliva production, which in turn increases the risk of oral diseases
• Genetics – some people are genetically predisposed to developing periodontitis
• Smoking – one of the main risk factors for periodontitis and can reduce the effectiveness of treatment
• Other causes – damaged fillings, misaligned teeth, or contact can also contribute to periodontitis.

It is important to keep in mind that although all of these factors increase the risk of periodontitis, this does not mean that the disease will automatically develop. Regular oral hygiene and visits to the dentist help prevent gum disease and keep your mouth healthy.

What are periodontal diseases?

Periodontal diseases cover a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum inflammation, to periodontitis, which is an advanced condition. These diseases are mostly caused by the accumulation of bacteria between the teeth and gums, but they can also be influenced by other factors such as smoking, diabetes, and genetics.

Simply put, gum diseases that require periodontal treatment can be divided into two categories: gingivitis or gum inflammation and periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis or gum inflammation is an inflammatory condition of the gums caused by bacteria.

The first sign of gingivitis is usually bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. If your teeth are not cleaned properly or if there are other factors that contribute to gingivitis, a plaque of bacteria will build up on your teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens and forms tartar. If plaque is not removed, the inflammation worsens, causing swelling, redness, and tenderness of the gums. This all leads to gingivitis.

Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is a more serious disease. Periodontitis affects deeper structures in the mouth and can result in tooth loss.

When to see a dentist?

In dentistry, it is important to detect a problem early, because it makes it easier to treat. If you have any of the symptoms below, be sure to consult your dentist.

• Bleeding when brushing your teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums and exposure of tooth necks
• Gum swelling, redness

Periodontitis treatment, gum treatment

Treatment for periodontitis usually involves a professional oral cleaning, which may be followed by a deep cleaning of the gums, the use of antibiotics, or even surgical intervention in more severe cases. It all depends on how far the disease has progressed. Dental and oral health are related to a person’s overall health, so it is very important to treat periodontitis in a timely manner.

Regular visits to the dentist are very important because this is how periodontitis can be prevented. Timely removal of dental plaque and tartar helps prevent advanced gingivitis.

After gum treatment, proper daily oral hygiene is very important, otherwise periodontitis will return. Good oral hygiene and regular brushing will help prevent the return of germs and tartar.