Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums that damages the soft tissues and bones that support and strengthen the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss or, in worse cases, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems
Periodontitis is common, but it is preventable Periodontitis develops as a result of improper oral hygiene Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth daily, and having regular dental check-ups with your dentist dramatically reduce the risk of developing periodontitis.
It is believed that periodontitis begins as plaque Plaque is a sticky plaque that is mainly made up of bacteria Plaque forms when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria in the mouth Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque from the teeth However, this plaque is easily re-formed, usually within 24 hours
Plaque that remains on the teeth for 2-3 days may harden and turn into stones under the gum line. Formation of stones is also possible in conditions of high content of mineral substances in saliva Pebbles make it difficult to remove foil and create favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply Pebbles cannot be removed by scraping and flossing The intervention of a dentist is necessary to remove stones
The longer plaque and tartar are present, the more damage they do to teeth and gums. At first, they only irritate and cause inflammation of the gums This condition is called gingivitis Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease
Prolonged inflammation eventually leads to the formation of plaque, tartar, and bacteria-filled plaque between the teeth and gums. As a result of metabolism, bacteria produce endotoxin, which is the main cause of inflammation around the teeth Over time, this mass deepens and causes more bacteria to accumulate Deep infections cause tissue and bone loss When a large amount of bone is destroyed, the patient may lose one or more teeth
Symptoms of periodontitis:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purple gums
- Pain when touching the gums
- Pulling the gum tissue away from the tooth, making the tooth appear longer than normal
- New spaces between the teeth
Chronic periodontitis is the most common type, which usually occurs in adults However, it should be noted in children Aggressive periodontitis usually begins in childhood or adolescence and is rare
When to see a dentist
Healthy gums are firm and light pink in color If your gums are swollen, dull red, and bleed easily, see your dentist. In case of presence of the other mentioned symptoms, medical help is also necessary Early medical intervention increases the chance of repairing the damage caused by periodontitis and reduces the risk of serious health complications.
