Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to the destruction of the bones and tissues that support the teeth. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of periodontitis.
Causes of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation and infection, which can eventually cause the destruction of the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Other factors that can increase the risk of periodontitis include:
- Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to periodontitis due to genetic factors.
- Age: Periodontitis is more common in older adults.
- Smoking: Smoking can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation, increasing the risk of periodontitis.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of periodontitis.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
The symptoms of periodontitis can vary depending on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, periodontitis may cause:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
As the disease progresses, it may cause:
- Recul des gencives
- Pockets of infection around the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting or chewing
Diagnosis of Periodontitis
If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontitis, it is important to see a dental professional for a diagnosis. Your dentist or periodontist may perform several tests to determine the severity of the disease, including:
- Periodontal probing: Your dentist or periodontist will use a small instrument to measure the depth of the pockets around the teeth. In healthy gums, the pockets are shallow, but in periodontitis, the pockets can become deeper and filled with infection.
- X-rays or other imaging tests: Your dentist or periodontist may order X-rays or other imaging tests to look for signs of bone loss or other damage to the teeth and gums.
Treatment of Periodontitis
The treatment of periodontitis depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, periodontitis can usually be treated with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing. However, in more advanced cases, more extensive treatment may be necessary, including:
- Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate infection and inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the gums and bone or to remove severely infected teeth.
In conclusion, periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can cause the destruction of the bones and tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and can be managed with professional cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices, and in some cases, more extensive treatment such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontitis, it is important to see a dental professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.