What is Periodontitis?
It is the main cause of tooth loss, therefore it has aesthetic as well as functional consequences.
Above all, periodontitis is related to diseases that cause general inflammatory reactions in the body.
Diagnosis
Causes
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Bacterial plaque Plaque is the main cause of gum inflammation (gingivitis). If bacterial plaque is not removed regularly, gums react with inflammation; that is, they become red, edematous (swollen) and bleed with the slightest irritation. Chronic untreated gum inflammation leads to the development of gingivitis into periodontitis.
- Tartar Tartar is calcified dental plaque, which can form below or above the gum line. Tartar should be removed by the dentist on a regular basis. Its surface is rough and therefore colonized by bacteria again and again. Tartar formation should be prevented by good and regular oral hygiene at home. Chronic tartar buildup promotes the formation of periodontal disease.
- Smoking Smoking is not just bad for your overall health. In addition to your respiratory and cardiovascular systems, your gums are also significantly affected by smoking. Even with very good hygiene at home, smokers experience greater bone loss in the jaw. This is why smokers are more likely to develop periodontal pockets and obtain a higher number of harmful bacteria. Smokers also do not respond as well to gum treatment compared to non-smokers, resulting in a significantly higher risk of losing teeth earlier.
- Systemic disease (like diabetes mellitus) Diabetics whose blood sugar levels are not controlled have a higher risk of developing periodontitis. Respectively, patients with periodontitis are at greater risk for diabetes. Investigation for both conditions is essential, as treating one has a positive effect on treating the other. This is why it is important to have diabetics examined by a dentist and patients with periodontitis by an endocrinologist.
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Nutrition The impact of an unhealthy diet on the gums is often underestimated. However, bad nutrition increases the risk of developing both diabetes and periodontitis.
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Stress Stress reduces periodontal tissues 's defense against pathogenic bacteria. Those with stress have an increased risk of developing periodontitis, as higher concentrations of bacteria negatively affect the already weakened defense system.
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Genetic predisposition Due to genetic differences, immune response against pathogenic bacteria may vary. As a result, periodontitis can affect each person differently and there is a heritability to the disease.
- Age Due to the chronic nature of the condition, the consequences of periodontitis often become apparent in old or very old age. Because the disease progresses slowly, patients do not notice initial problems until it is already too late. If its left untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to greater bone loss, more lost teeth, difficulty controlling diabetes and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms
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Bleeding gums
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Redness, swelling and sensitivity
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Receding gums and exposed roots
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Bad breath
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Teeth mobility
How is Periodontitis treated?
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Conservative treatment - It includes cleaning (scaling) and deep cleaning (radical scaling), aiming to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, as well as from under the gums. These are performed using ultrasound and special hand tools, while there is also the possibility of using laser.
- Surgical treatment - Its selected in more advanced cases or in cases that conservative treatment does not bring results
Periodontitis Management
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