Periodontics
Periodontal disease – a set of inflammatory conditions
PREVENTION, DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT
Periodontics is an important branch of dentistry, especially since it focuses on the most frequent modern-day conditions. Periodontics includes the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of the conditions of tissues and structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is estimated that one in three adults has some form of disease of the tooth-supporting structures, the worst one being periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a set of advanced chronic inflammatory conditions of the gums due to bacteria related plaque build-up. Over time, the bacteria cause the inflammation, affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease requires timely treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Causes of
periodontal
disease:
● Accumulation of food debris between the teeth is one of the main causes of gum disease. This creates perfect environment for bacteria propagation. In a healthy mouth, there is no accumulation of food debris because the correct shape of the teeth and the contact between them don’t allow this to happen.
● Bad habits such as chewing using just one side of the mouth, consuming only soft or liquid food thus preventing natural self-cleaning of the mouth, breathing through the mouth which causes dry gums and faster bacteria growth, and smoking, which weakens the natural immune system of the body.
● Genetics, stress, changing hormone levels such as in pregnancy or menopause.
● Bad habits such as chewing using just one side of the mouth, consuming only soft or liquid food thus preventing natural self-cleaning of the mouth, breathing through the mouth which causes dry gums and faster bacteria growth, and smoking, which weakens the natural immune system of the body.
● Genetics, stress, changing hormone levels such as in pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms and effects
of periodontal disease:
● Dental plaque build-up
● Gum inflammation (augmented, red, swollen gums)
● Bleeding gums
● A sensation of having an alien object between the teeth
● Gum withdrawal
● Gingival pockets
● Bad breath
● Tooth migration
● Loose teeth and teeth falling out
● Gum inflammation (augmented, red, swollen gums)
● Bleeding gums
● A sensation of having an alien object between the teeth
● Gum withdrawal
● Gingival pockets
● Bad breath
● Tooth migration
● Loose teeth and teeth falling out
