Periodontitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting teeth. This is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.. As a result of an infection, your gum tissue does not hold your teeth as high as it should.
There is sulcus between the tooth and the gum - a very narrow V-shaped furrow.
Periodontitis attacks slightly below the sulcus line and at this point it breaks down the tissues that support the tooth. As tissue degradation progresses, sulcus begins to resemble a pocket. Generally , the more serious the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of symptoms. There are two main stages:
Gingivitis - A milder form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums.
At this stage, the disease is reversible and, as a rule, can be eliminated by brushing and flossing the teeth every day.
In the early stages, gum disease can be painless and will not give you any warning signs. This is one of the reasons why regular dental check-ups, professional cleaning and periodontal examinations are essential to prevent gum disease. If the disease is not treated, it can take on more serious and destructive forms.
Periodontitis - at this stage, the gums and periosteum that support the teeth are seriously damaged. A tooth can become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.
The methods of treatment depend on the type of disease and its development. Proper oral hygiene at home is essential to stop the development or recurrence of periodontal disease. Your teeth do not have to be a victim of periodontal disease.
Factors increasing the risk of developing periodontal disease:
- smoking or chewing tobacco,
- systemic diseases such as diabetes,
- certain types of drugs, such as steroids, certain types of epilepsy drugs, cancer drugs, some calcium channel antagonists,
- bridges that no longer fit well,
- crooked teeth,
- fillings that have become defective,
- pregnancy or oral contraceptives.
Red flags of the risk of periodontal disease:
- gums that bleed easily when brushing your teeth,
- red, swollen, sensitive gums,
- gums that have separated from the teeth,
- persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth,
- gaps between teeth and gums,
- permanent teeth that are loose or separate from others,
- any change in the arrangement of the teeth when biting..
Periodontal consultation is the first stage of treatment. It is essential to do x-ray examination of the patient's mouth to determine the extent of bone damage, determine the best treatment and estimate its cost. The consultation price includes the preparation of a complete diagnostic report. It is worth remembering that gum treatment is cheaper and better for teeth than replacing teeth lost due to neglect.
