People with gum problems often go to see a dentist without even knowing that there is a field in dentistry called periodontology.
A PERIODONTOLOGIST deals with the treatment of periodontal diseases, i.e. the tissues surrounding our teeth. These tissues include the gum, periodontium and the bone in which the teeth are located. Periodontal diseases, next to caries, constitute the largest percentage of oral diseases and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, they should not be ignored. Any disturbing problem occurring in the oral cavity should be immediately consulted with a dentist who, depending on the severity of the disease, will refer us to a specialist.
The main cause of periodontal disease, as in the case of dental diseases, is inadequate oral hygiene, which causes the deposition of bacteria, plaque and tartar. Periodontal diseases may also be caused by metabolic or immunological diseases, improperly performed cavity fillings or prosthetic works.
The gums constitute a protective barrier against harmful bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar, which is why they are very sensitive and have a strong blood supply. They quickly react to an emerging bacterial threat, which becomes visible as inflammation.
In the initial phase, inflammation affects only the gums. There is redness, swelling and severe pain. Bleeding from the gums may also occur. In this phase, the problem can be solved by proper oral hygiene, the use of antibacterial rinses and hygiene treatments such as scaling, i.e. removal of tartar.
In the next phase of the disease, the inflammation progresses deeper and affects the periodontal fibers, whose task is to hold the teeth in the bone. Progressing periodontal disease may result in tooth loss by lowering the gum level and exposing the tooth neck, and in the next root phase. Loosening of teeth occurs through the gradual loss of periodontal fibers and the bone surrounding the tooth. It's not a long way from loose teeth to losing them.
Chronic gingivitis can lead to this condition. If we start treating the problem early enough and do not lead to the formation of subgingival and supragingival calculus that damages the periodontium, we can save all the teeth. However, if we ignore the inflammation signal, we will lead to an irreversible condition, i.e. damage to the periodontium. In addition, inflammation of the gums leads to the formation of bacterial clusters in the so-called gum pockets, which in turn causes halitosis, i.e. unpleasant breath odor.
Treatment of inflammation in the so-called phase reversible, i.e. curable, usually involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and hygiene treatments. In the irreversible phase, treatment is more complicated and even requires surgical intervention, e.g. to restore periodontal structures.
The most effective way to prevent periodontal disease is proper oral hygiene and frequent check-ups with the dentist.
The author of the entry is: manager Marta Niemiec-Fiutowska