Periodontology
More than 50% of adults have some form of periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. When obvious symptoms appear, such as loose teeth, bleeding gums, pus between teeth and gums and bad breath, it is often too late for treatment.
Do your teeth bleed while brushing? Don’t waste time!
Periodontitis, often known as “Gum Disease,” is a very common condition in which the gums become inflamed, and along with tooth decay, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. A milder form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums causing redness, swelling and bleeding, often provoked by brushing. Although these signs are obvious, patients often ignore them for longer periods of time because they do not have any symptoms of pain or burning. If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums and deeper periodontal structures caused by bacteria that can spread down below the gums and along the roots of the teeth, causing destruction of the supporting bone and can cause the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth, causing the inflamed gum to pull away from the teeth. The pockets cannot be cleaned during our daily hygiene routine and are an ideal place for bacteria to enter and multiply. As the pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and teeth are no longer anchored in place. They become loose and tooth loss occurs. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be found in plaque, proving how important proper oral hygiene is in preventing periodontal diseases.
Good oral hygiene and use of additional cleaning aids such as dental floss, interdental tooth brushes, oral irrigators and mouth rinses, are vital in preventing and treating gum disease. Gingivitis is treatable, while periodontitis is reversible, that is, it cannot be completely treated, but it can be kept at bay for the rest of your life.
Apart from having a regular oral hygiene routine, it is extremely important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings such as scaling and root planning, which should be scheduled every six months, or more often, and can be performed in our dental studio.
