DENTISTRY
Periodontology
THE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PERIODONTAL DISEASES
Periodontal diseases affect three out of four people at some points in their life and, cause premature loss of teeth. If periodontal diseases are identified at early stages, they may be treated successfully.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
The diseases affecting the supporting structures around your teeth (like bone) and the gingival are called periodontal diseases. During gingivitis, which is the first indication of periodontal diseases, the gum surrounding the teeth turns red, swells and bleeds easily. Even though this stage of the illness does not cause much problem, if it is not treated properly, irrecoverable damages might occur on the bone structure around the gum and teeth and, periodontitis might develop.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of periodontal diseases. The support structures and bone, ensuring the teeth remaining in the dental arch, are devastated. Deep periodontal pockets occur and tooth begins to waggle and, eventually leads to the extraction of the tooth.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES?
There are many symptoms of periodontal diseases. If you detect the following symptoms, contact your dentist:
• Bleeding gums during brushing
• Red, swollen and bleeding gums when touched
• Gums beginning to pull away from the teeth (recession)
• Continual bad breath
• Discharge from the root of the teeth and the gums
• Wobbling of the teeth and their pulling away from each other
• Change in the closure arch of the teeth during biting
• Change in the closure arch of removable prosthesis
CAUSES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES?
The main cause of periodontal diseases is the bacteria plaques which are the yellowish-grey coloured organic extensions forming on the teeth. Essential thing for a healthy mouth is the removal of the bacteria plaque from the environment with daily cleaning.
If the bacteria plaque is not removed, it hardens and forms the porous, crusty deposits known as calculus or tartar. The toxins produced by these bacteria in the dental plaque harm the gums. Toxins collapse the supporting structures around the teeth and the gum recesses from the teeth and, more bacteria plaques accumulate on the formed pockets.
As periodontal disease develops, the pockets deepen more and, the bacteria plaque adheres to the exposed surfaces of the teeth. Bone support of the teeth is destroyed and, the untreated teeth begin to wobble and eventually are pulled out.
Although, the main cause of periodontal diseases is bacteria plaque, the following factors may also affect the development of periodontal diseases;
• Type of diet and tobacco usage
• Diseases affecting the body immune system such as leukaemia and AIDS
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal changes developing during pregnancy
• Birth control pills, some cardiac drugs and antidepressants may affect our oral health.
PROTECTION FROM PERIODONTAL DISEASES?
In order to keep your teeth in your mouth throughout your life, bacteria plaque must be removed from the teeth everyday by brushing and usage of floss and mouthwash. Even though, daily oral hygiene minimizes the formation of tartar; it may not prevent it completely. Tartar cleaning conducted by a dentist ensures the removal of hardened tartar from the environment in the regions, where you could not remove it by brushing and flossing. Removal of the plaque is called tartar cleaning.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES?
Treatment of the periodontal diseases at an early stage is called tartar cleaning. At this stage, tartar and harmful structures cause the formation of periodontal pockets in the gums. In more acute incidences, surgical intervention may be necessary. Regular brushing and the use of mouthwashes after the treatment are important in terms of continuity of the success of orthodontic treatment. Regular doctor check-ups are also important in prevention from the disease.
PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
If bacteria plaque is allowed to accumulate below the tooth-gum line, this irritates the gums in the course of time and, leads to periodontal diseases. In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is important to brush the teeth regularly and clean the areas between the teeth.
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