Periodontitis: Know About the Gum Disease
What is Periodontitis:
Periodontitis can be defined as the swelling of the gum due to infection of the nerves or the ligaments and the bones that hold up our teeth. It involves the weakening of the bones surrounding our teeth, gradually resulting in the slackening of the gum and consequently loss of teeth.
Periodontitis damages the soft tissue and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone supporting the teeth. It usually develops from untreated gingivitis, when plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth and cause persistent inflammation.
Causes :
The key cause of Periodontitis is the formation of plaque and poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a white coloured accumulation a bacterial formation that sits on the surface of teeth or in the gum grooves and causes tooth decay and other oral troubles. Predomination of plaque bacteria causes gingivitis or the inflammation of the gum. If gingivitis is left untreated or uncured, then that results in this disease. The toxins formed by the plaque bacteria begin to fracture down the bones and tissues that are connected to the teeth. As a result, the gap in the gum increases and subsequently results in the loss of teeth.
Types of Periodontitis:
Dentists have classified Periodontitis in a number of ways. The most common forms of Periodontitis disease consist of Chronic Periodontitis, Aggressive Periodontitis, Periodontitis associated with systemic diseases and Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis. Among all these four types, Chronic Periodontitis is the most common among adults. In this type, the decaying of the gum and teeth health is slower.
In the case of Aggressive Periodontitis, the destruction is much faster and profound, and it can happen to anyone right from an adolescent to a healthy adult. In the case of a person who has diabetes or suffering from arthritis or severe heart disease, Periodontitis can aggravate their situation. Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis is the most severe form of Periodontitis. It is created from the dead tissue of gingivitis. And the chief victims of this type of Periodontitis are the one who is suffering from HIV, malnutrition and people having weaker immunity system.
Symptoms :
-Red, swollen or tender gums
-Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
-Persistent bad breath
-Gums pulling away from the teeth
-Loose or shifting teeth
-Pain or discomfort while chewing
-Pus between the teeth and gums
-Increased sensitivity
-Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
If you find the above symptoms, then it will be advisable to see a Dentist. The sooner you go for a dental check-up, the better it will be for you to get relief from the severe pain of Periodontitis.
Treatment :
The first step of the treatment involves oral screening and then cleaning below the gum line. This cleaning process includes the removal of plaque and tartar from the gum. The dentists do other treatments like laser therapy, medication and sometimes surgery in severe cases.
Prevention:
It is said that ‘prevention is better than cure’. So, similarly, in the case of Periodontitis, it can be said that the prevention of this disease is the key. It is crucial for a person to maintain oral hygiene daily. It’s always better to brush your teeth twice daily and go for mouthwash before and after every meal. In addition to this flossing will also keep plaque away from your teeth.
A regular, thorough dental checkup can keep your gums and teeth healthy and vigorous. As we know that early detection of Periodontitis is near to impossible, therefore maintaining good oral hygiene and a regular, thorough dental check-up can only save you from endless pain and loss of teeth.
