Periodontitis (also known as periodontitis) is an inflammation and infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Some people are more susceptible to this type of infection, but in most cases, gum inflammation is the result of poor oral hygiene. Symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and more. There are many ways to treat inflamed gums, depending on the severity of the condition.
Gingivitis – What is it?
Periodontitis is a disease that causes inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth. The most common cause of this disease is poor oral hygiene. However, some people are more prone to gum inflammation, even with impeccable hygiene.
How common is periodontitis?
Half of all adults have some form of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Reddish or purple gums;
Bleeding gums;
Increased sensitivity;
Bad breath (halitosis);
Unpleasant taste;
Pain when chewing;
Gum recession (retraction of the gums from the teeth);
Shaky teeth.
Stages of periodontitis
Healthy gums are firm to the touch, do not bleed or swell. Inflamed gums are red, swollen and bleeding gums. Lack of treatment eventually leads to tooth loss.
The breakdown of the tissues around the teeth happens gradually. In fact, most people don't even feel pain in the early stages of periodontal disease. That's why it's so important to know what the early symptoms are.
There are four stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by red and swollen gums. Sometimes the gums bleed when brushing or flossing. At this stage, there is still no bone loss, which is why gingivitis is completely reversible with proper treatment.
Mild form of periodontitis – at this stage, bacteria have already penetrated below the gum line and are affecting the supporting bone. The gums pull back slightly from the teeth, creating pockets around them. Plaque and bacteria develop in these pockets because brushing and flossing cannot clean these areas.
Moderately severe periodontitis – Left untreated, the bacteria begin to eat away at the soft tissues and bones. At this stage, bad breath and pus (infection) around the gum line may appear. Pain may also begin to be felt.
Advanced periodontitis – Lack of treatment leads to worsening of the condition and accelerated loss of bone mass. This ultimately leads to loosening and loss of teeth.
With early diagnosis and treatment, gum disease is completely reversible. If there is already bone loss, the disease is seriously advanced and is already irreversible. However, even in this case, periodontal disease can be controlled with appropriate treatment and excellent oral hygiene.
What causes periodontitis?
Plaque buildup is the number one cause of gum disease. Over time, plaque hardens and forms tartar. Plaque and tartar contain different types of bacteria that can negatively affect your gums. That's why people with poor oral hygiene are more likely to suffer from gum disease. In some people, genes also play a role, as they affect how the immune system responds to bacteria.
Risk factors for periodontitis
Smoking;
Poor oral hygiene;
Diabetes;
Autoimmune diseases;
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty;
Pregnancy and menopause;
Stress;
Heart disease;
Genetic characteristics.
Is periodontitis contagious?
The bacteria that cause gum disease can be passed from person to person. This infection cannot be spread from brief, casual contact, but repeated, prolonged contact through saliva (such as kissing) can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
How is periodontitis diagnosed?
Gingivitis is noticed immediately during a routine examination. Using a periodontal probe, the pockets around the teeth are measured. This determines how much bone mass has been lost. The deeper the pockets, the more advanced the disease is. There may be loose teeth and receding gums. For a more accurate diagnosis, an X-ray should be taken, as it shows in detail the areas of bone loss.
Treatment of periodontitis
Periodontal disease is an incurable disease, but with proper treatment it can be controlled. It cannot be cured because the loss of bone around the tooth cannot be completely replaced. However, periodontal treatment can control the infection and restore some bone and tissue. Genetics also play a role, as some people are more susceptible to bacteria that cause gum disease.
The only reversible gum disease is gingivitis, a very early stage of periodontal disease. If detected early, it can be completely cured with regular scaling and good oral hygiene.
The type of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's condition and some other factors, such as:
General health;
Smoking;
Previous treatments and chronic diseases.
Here are the main procedures for treating inflamed gums:
Professional in-office teeth cleaning and improvement of oral hygiene
People with the initial stage of periodontal disease – Gingivitis – can be completely cured if they regularly clean their tartar and plaque in the office and improve their oral hygiene. Dealing with harmful bacteria will prevent the disease from progressing and will not lead to bone loss.
Proper oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, daily flossing, and regular dental checkups.
Cleaning tartar and tooth roots
This procedure is similar to a routine dental cleaning, but it gets a deeper clean below the gums, where a brush and floss can't reach. It removes plaque and bacteria, and periodontists recommend this treatment for people with mild periodontal disease. The procedure is usually done in at least 2 visits under local anesthesia.
Surgical interventions to reduce pockets (Curettage)
People with moderate to advanced periodontal disease may need a surgical procedure called pocket reduction, also known as curettage. The goal is to remove plaque and tartar that is so deep below the gums that it cannot be reached. During this procedure, an incision is made in the gum to achieve a deep cleaning.
Bone grafting
This procedure is performed after there is bone loss caused by gum disease. After cleaning the infected tissue and bone, bone grafting is performed in the areas of erosion. This way, over time, the regeneration of the patient's own bone is also supported.
Gum tissue grafting
Periodontal disease can also cause gum tissue loss, which is why advanced cases of this disease may require a gum tissue graft. This tissue can be taken from the palate or purchased from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
Targeted tissue regeneration
This procedure is usually combined with a bone graft. It helps regenerate bone mass in areas where it has been destroyed and prevents soft tissue from growing into these areas. During this procedure, an artificial membrane is placed between the gums and the bone graft. Soft tissue regenerates faster than bone mass, so the membrane keeps this space open so that bone can form instead of soft tissue.
Prevention
Gum disease can be prevented if consistent and proper oral hygiene is practiced. Some people are more prone to periodontal disease due to genetic predisposition or chronic health problems. Such patients should have more frequent in-office scaling and plaque removal.
How can the risk of periodontitis be reduced?
Teeth should be brushed 2 to 3 times every day;
Flossing once a day;
Using antibacterial mouthwash;
Quitting smoking;
Regular dental checkups and in-office cleanings of tartar and plaque.
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to additional health problems, especially if the infection spreads to other parts of the body. Gum disease is not curable. It can be controlled with proper treatment. Early detection is key to limiting possible damage.
When should you visit a dentist?
If you have bleeding, sensitive, or swollen gums, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Early detection of gum disease is key. A routine check-up will help your dentist determine whether you need to see a periodontist or if the problem can be resolved with a routine in-office cleaning.
What questions can be asked to a periodontist?
What stage is gum disease in?
Is surgical or non-surgical treatment needed?
Is there an option for treatment under medical sleep?
How long does recovery take?
How often should in-office teeth cleaning be done?
Conclusion
Periodontitis is usually painless, especially in the early stages. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms so that treatment can begin as early as possible. If left untreated, it affects your overall oral health. The infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and other parts of the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.
Specialized dental clinic Bushkalova performs all procedures related to gum health - office cleaning of teeth from tartar and plaque, laser gum treatment, open and closed curettage, bone grafting, etc. We have a modern and fully equipped operating room, where for more complex manipulations, treatment under medical sleep can also be applied.
