Periodontitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissues and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to loosening or loss of teeth.

Periodontitis is common, but it can be largely prevented. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and having regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of successfully treating periodontitis and can also reduce your chances of developing it.

Symptoms

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color and fit snugly around the teeth. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis may include: Inflamed or swollen gums Bright red, dark red, or purple gums Tender gums Gums that bleed easily Pink-tinted toothbrush after brushing Coughing up blood when brushing brushing or flossing the teeth and gums.

When to see the dentist

Here are some of the factors that increase the risk of periodontitis: Gingivitis Bad oral habits Smoking or chewing tobacco Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause Recreational drug use, such as smoking marijuana or vaping. Obesity Inadequate diet, including vitamin C deficiency Genetics Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes Conditions that cause decreased immunity, such as leukaemia, HIV / HOW and cancer treatment Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease

Diagnostic

To determine if you have periodontitis and its severity, your dentist can do the following: Review your medical history to identify any factors that may be contributing to symptoms, such as smoking or taking certain medications that cause dry mouth. examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup and to check for a tendency to bleed. Using a dental instrument to measure depth of the pocket between the gum and the teeth by inserting a metal probe next to the tooth, below the gum line, usually in different parts of the mouth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of the pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets deeper than 4 mm can be an indication of periodontitis. Pockets deeper than 5mm cannot be cleaned well. take dental x-rays to check for decreased bone mass in areas where the dentist sees deeper pockets.

A periodontist, dentist or dental hygienist can perform the treatment. The goal of periodontitis treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around the teeth and avoid damaging the surrounding bone. The best chance of successful treatment is achieved when you follow a daily routine of good oral care, manage health issues that can impact dental health, and quit smoking.

non-surgical treatments

If periodontitis is not advanced, treatment may consist of less invasive procedures, including: Grated. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and under the gums. This can be done with instruments, a laser or an ultrasound device. Root planing. Root planing smoothes root surfaces, discouraging the buildup of tartar and bacteria and removing bacterial byproducts that contribute to inflammation and delay healing or reattachment of gums to tooth surfaces. Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control the bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can consist of mouthwashes or antibiotic gels, which are applied to the space between the teeth and the gums or to the pockets after a thorough cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may be needed to completely eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.

surgical treatments

If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, for example: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). The periodontist makes small incisions in the gum so that a section of the gum tissue can be lifted, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and planing. Since periodontitis causes bone loss, the hidden bone can be reshaped before the gum tissue is sutured in place. Once you have healed, it will be easier to clean these areas and keep the gum tissue healthy. Soft tissue grafts. When you lose gum tissue, the gumline recedes. Some of the damaged soft tissue may need strengthening. This is usually done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) or by using tissue from another donor and securing it to the affected site. This can help reduce gum recession, cover exposed roots, and make teeth look nicer. Bone Injector. This procedure is performed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone that surrounds the root of the tooth. The graft can be made from small pieces of your own bone, or the bone can be synthetic or donated. Bone grafting helps prevent tooth loss by holding the tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for new growth of natural bone. Guided tissue regeneration. This allows the bone destroyed by the bacteria to grow back. One technique involves the dentist placing a special piece of biocompatible tissue between the existing bone and the tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from entering the scarred area, allowing bone to regenerate. Tissue stimulating proteins. Another technique is to apply a special gel to the root of the affected tooth. This gel contains the same proteins found in developing tooth enamel and stimulates the growth of healthy bones and tissues.