Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease affects the tissues (gums and bone) that support the tooth. It is a chronic inflammation caused by bacteria in the dental plaque. The two major types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease, usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible. If gingivitis remains untreated, it can become periodontitis affecting the bone and the tissues that support the tooth. The gums are separated from the teeth forming pockets full of bacteria. The teeth become progressively loose and may be lost. It is very important to prevent periodontitis as bone loss is not reversible.
You may suffer from periodontal disease without knowing it, as it rarely causes symptoms in the early stages.
The disease may be suspected if some of the following symptoms occur: gum bleeding, gum swelling, separation of the gums from the teeth, gum recession, movement of teeth, loose teeth, bad breath.
The disease may be suspected if some of the following symptoms occur: gum bleeding, gum swelling, separation of the gums from the teeth, gum recession, movement of teeth, loose teeth, bad breath.
The cause of periodontal disease is the bacteria in the dental plaque, caused by poor oral hygiene.
However not all people with poor oral hygiene and plaque are affected.
There are various risk factors such as genetics, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, medications.
However not all people with poor oral hygiene and plaque are affected.
There are various risk factors such as genetics, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, medications.
Gingivitis is conservatively treated with regular cleaning by the dentist and good oral hygiene.
Surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available for periodontitis. The treatment is individualised, depending on the case.
The basis for all treatment options is good oral hygiene.
Surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available for periodontitis. The treatment is individualised, depending on the case.
The basis for all treatment options is good oral hygiene.