Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a dangerous gum infection that harms soft tissue. If it is left untreated then it can kill the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss.
The majority of cases of periodontitis can be avoided. Poor dental hygiene is frequently to blame. Although, You may significantly increase your odds of successfully treating periodontitis and lower your risk of having it by brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and scheduling routine dental exams.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Gums that are in good health are firm, pale pink, and closely encircle teeth. Periodontitis symptoms and signs can include:
1. Puffy or swollen gums
2. Gums that are bright red, dark red, or purple
3. When touched, the gums feel sore
4. Easy bleeding gums
5. Brush with a pink color after brushing
6. Spitting out blood while using the dental floss or brush
7. Poor breath
8. Between your teeth and gums, there is pus
9. Loss of teeth or crooked teeth
10. Gruelling chewing
11. Having more spacing between your teeth
12. Teeth appear longer than usual because of receding gums that pull away from them.
13. Modification of the way your teeth bite together
Causes of Periodontitis
Periodontitis typically develops from plaque, a sticky film made primarily of bacteria that forms over teeth. Here is how plaque can eventually develop into periodontitis if untreated:
1. When sugars and carbohydrates from food combine with bacteria that are naturally present in your mouth, plaque is created on your teeth. Plaque is removed by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, but plaque quickly builds again.
2. Plaque is left on your teeth, it can harden beneath your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar contains a lot of microorganisms. Moreover, it becomes more challenging to eliminate. Plaque and tartar can cause more harm to your teeth the longer they are allowed to accumulate. Although, tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone; a professional tooth cleaning is required.
3. The mildest type of gum disease, gingivitis, can be brought on by plaque. Gum disease, often known as gingivitis, is an irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth’s root (gingiva). Although, with medical assistance and appropriate oral hygiene practices at home, gingivitis can be cured.
4. Constant gum Periodontitis can be brought on by inflammation, which eventually leads to the formation of pockets between your gums and teeth that swell with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. However, these pockets deepen and swell with more germs over time. However, If these severe infections are left untreated, they result in bone and tissue loss and could lead to the eventual loss of one or more teeth. Your immune system may also be hampered by continuous chronic inflammation.
Risk factors Of Periodontitis
Periodontitis risk factors include the following:
1. Gingivitis
2. Poor oral hygiene practices
3. Chewing or smoking tobacco
4. Hormonal changes, such as those brought on by menopause or pregnancy
5. Recreational drug usage, such as vaping or smoking marijuana
6. Obesity
7. Inadequate dietary intake, especially a lack of vitamin C
8. Genetics
9. Certain drugs that result in gum abnormalities or dry mouth
10. Diseases like leukemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment that lower immunity
11. Several conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease
Treatment of Periodontitis
For periodontitis, a dentist, or a dental hygienist may administer treatment. Treatment for periodontitis aims to fully clean the pockets around teeth and shield the surrounding bone from deterioration. However, the highest chance for treatment success is when you also establish daily oral hygiene practice, take care of any underlying medical concerns, and give up smoking.
Nonsurgical treatments of Periodontitis
Treatment for periodontitis may involve less intrusive techniques, such as:
- Scaling: Tartar and bacteria are removed from tooth surfaces and the gum line during scaling. Instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device may be used to carry it out.
- Root planning: Root planning removes bacteria by products that cause irritation, impede healing, or cause the gums to reattach to the tooth surfaces while smoothing the root surfaces to prevent further tartar and bacterial buildup.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can use topically or orally to treat bacterial infections. Topical antibiotics include antibiotic mouthwashes and antibiotic gels that are inserted into pockets or the gap between your teeth and gums following extensive cleaning. Oral antibiotics, however, might require entirely getting rid of infection-causing germs.
Surgical treatments of Periodontitis
If your periodontitis is advanced, certain dental procedures, such as:
1. Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery)
A portion of gum tissue can push back, exposing the roots for more efficient scaling and root planning, thanks to small incisions in the gum. Periodontitis frequently results in bone loss, so before the gum tissue gets sturdily back into place, the underlying bone may need recontouring. Moreover, Cleaning these regions and keeping healthy gum tissue is simpler once recovered.
2. soft tissue grafts
Gumline recedes when losing gum tissue. Some of the soft damage issues are forced. Typically, a tiny piece of tissue from the palate, the roof of your mouth, or tissue from another donor source is removed and attached to the afflicted area. By doing so, you may be able to stop additional gum recession, hide any exposed roots, and improve the aesthetics of your teeth.
3. Bone grafting
When periodontitis has destroyed the bone supporting your tooth root, this surgery carries. For the graft, tiny fragments of the donor’s bone, synthetic bone, or your own bone can use. Moreover, by supporting your teeth, the bone graft prevents tooth loss. It acts as a foundation for the formation of normal bone again.
4. Guided tissue regeneration
Germs to regenerate enable damaged bone. One method involves your dentist sandwiching a particular piece of biocompatible fabric between your tooth and the bone that already supports it. However, The substance keeps undesirable tissue out of the area that is healing, allowing bone to regrow there in its place.
5. Tissue-stimulating proteins
Another method includes coating a sick tooth root with a specific material. Although, This gel encourages the creation of healthy bone and tissue and contains the same proteins that are present in forming tooth enamel.
Lifestyle and home remedies
To lessen or avoid periodontitis, use the following strategies:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after each meal and snack.
2. Replace your toothbrush at least once every three months and make sure it’s gentle.
3. If you want to remove plaque and tartar more effectively, think about using an electric toothbrush.
4. Always floss.
5. If your dentist suggests using mouthwash to help eliminate plaque between your teeth, do so.
6. Use an interdental cleaner in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, such as a dental pick, interdental brush, or dental stick.
7. Get expert dental cleanings on a schedule that your dentist recommends.
8. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
Complications of Periodontitis
Tooth loss may result from periodontitis. Through gum tissue, the bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter your bloodstream and potentially impact other parts of your body. However, For instance, there are associations between periodontitis and respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and issues with blood sugar regulation in those with diabetes.
Precaution of Periodontitis
The greatest strategy to avoid developing periodontitis is to practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis throughout your life, starting when you are young.
Good oral hygiene: This entails flossing at least once each day and brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily, preferably in the morning and before bed. You can get rid of the bacteria and loose food particles by flossing first before brushing. a favorable habitat for the particular bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Regular dental visits: Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for cleanings on a regular basis, typically every six to twelve months. However, you might require professional cleaning more frequently if you smoke, take certain medications, have a dry mouth, or have other risk factors for periodontitis.
