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Diseases
of the gum (Periodontal diseases)
What is a gum disease (periodontal
disease) ?
Periodontal
diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and the tissues around
the teeth. It accounts for 70 % of tooth losses in adults. If diagnosed in an
early stage, periodontal diseases may be easily and effectively treated.
Prevention
and treatment of periodontal diseases allow us to save natural teeth and thus
to maintain a better chewingand digestive function. Initial signs of a
periodontal disease are bleeding at the teeth-gum borders while brushing the
teeth and discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink, not red). This is the early stage of the disease, during which it
may not give symptoms or cause much discomfort. If not treated, the disease
advances further, causing destruction of the bones, gums, and connective
tissues that support the teeth, a condition that is mostly irreversible. In
advanced stages a periodontal “pocket” forms between teeth and gums, which
facilitates the settling and progression of the disease. With advancing
disease, the teeth may become loose due to bone resorption and occasional
abscess formation and may need to be extracted.
What
are the symptoms and signs of periodontal diseases ?
There are many signs and symptoms
of periodontal diseases, the most prevalent being the following: bleeding
gums while brushing, red, swollen and sensitive gums; soft gums separating
easily from teeth. Pus discharge from between teeth along the gumline, loose
and spaced teeth (forming of spaces between teeth and widening of existing
gaps), persistent bad breath.
However, periodontal disease can progress
to advanced stages without causing many symptoms or signs. Therefore, it is
very important to visit a dentist regularly.
What is the cause of periodontal diseases
?
The
single most important cause of
periodontal diseases is the sticky and colourless stain layer, called
“bacterial
tooth
plaque“, that accumulates on the teeth. Removing of the tooth plaque through
daily brushing and use of dental floss is a basic need for a healthy mouth.
If the plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden and form
bacteria-harboring
tooth stone or “tartar” that doesn’t clean. In such cases, the disease
advances further, resulting in deepening “gingival pockets” and propagation
of germs to deeper tissues eg the bone, with subsequent resorption of the
alveolar bone supporting the teeth. In untreated cases teeth become loose and
may require to be extracted.
How can periodontal diseases be prevented
?
The
most important task in preventing periodontal diseases lies within patients’
own responsibility. It is necessary
to
remove the bacterial tooth plaque with regular daily tooth care (tooth
brushing, use of floss). Visiting a dentist
regulary
is equally important. Daily tooth care procedures can minimize the bacterial
plaque formation, but may not
be able to prevent it completely.
What is the treatment of periodontal
diseases ?
The
treatment in the early stages of periodontal diseases involves removing the
plaques through a deep-cleaning
method
called scaling and root planing. This procedure provides for elimination
of germs and irritants causing gingival infection. This treatment is usually
adequate for the readaptation of gingiva to teeth and disappearance of the
“pocket” with contraction of the gingiva. In most cases in initial stages
of periodontal diseases, effective
daily oral care is adequate for a succesful treatment after tooth stone
cleaning, plaque removal and root
planing. More advanced cases could require an operation.
Following the periodontal
treatment, patients should be regularly checked by their dentists for 6
months or one year. An effective application of daily care procedures by the
patient is the most important factor for a successful treatment.
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