What is periodontal disease?
Our teeth are supported by bone and soft tissue in the mouth. Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) occurs as a result of bacterial infection in these supporting tissues. It is plaque on the surface of the tooth that causes the development of bacterial infection here. With regular dentist control and brushing, it is possible not to form dental plaque.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be made with radiographs taken during routine dentist controls and evaluations made after intraoral examinations. Here, the most important criterion is the measurement made by the dentist with the help of a hand tool placed between the gingiva and the tooth.
You can answer this test to find out if you have gum disease. If you answered yes to one or more of the questions, you may have gum disease. We recommend that you consult your periodontologist.
Do your gums bleed spontaneously or while brushing/applying?
Are your gums red and shiny?
Do you have swelling in your gums?
Do you have sensitivity in your teeth?
Do you have bad breath complaints?
Do you have stains or attachments on the surface of your teeth?
Do you think any of your teeth are loose?
Do you feel any difference in the alignment of your teeth compared to the past?
Have you noticed gaps in your teeth that weren’t there before?
Do certain foods get stuck between your teeth?
Do you also have recession in your gums?
Do you have a bad metallic taste in your mouth?
Is your mouth constantly dry and do you need to drink water?
Are the appearance of your teeth too long or too short?
Do your parents have missing teeth?
If you have bridges or removable dentures, do you feel incompatibility?
Do you or your family have heart disease?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have a condition that suppresses your immune system such as AIDS, leukemia, chemotherapy treatment?
Did you/do you smoke?
Are you clenching or grinding your teeth?
Are you pregnant/planning to become pregnant?
Are you stressed?
Who is a periodontologist?
They are doctors who have received advanced training on gingival diseases and treatment for 3-4 years after completing their dentistry education, have conducted scientific studies on the subject, and are specialized with their clinical experience.
What happens if periodontal disease is not treated?
Periodontal disease begins in the gums and is called gingivitis. At this stage, bleeding, tenderness, discoloration and swelling of the gums can be seen. As the bacterial infection progresses, destruction begins in the bone tissue and the disease progresses to an advanced stage called periodontitis. In addition to the problems in the gingiva, swaying, slipping and spacing of the teeth are now observed. As a result, patients begin to lose their teeth. In addition, bacterial infection in the mouth due to periodontal disease threatens the general health of the body.
Is there pain in periodontal disease?
In acute conditions called periodontal or gingival abscess, there may be pain and swelling. However, periodontal disease usually progresses slowly and painlessly over years. Therefore, the patient who does not go to regular dental check-ups may not realize his/her own condition. This significantly reduces the chance of cure.
What poses a risk for periodontal disease?
Genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease is seen as a risk factor. In the simplest form, it is possible to talk about genetic predisposition if the mother or father has missing teeth. At this point, it is possible to keep the teeth in the mouth with interventions such as regular dentist control and good oral hygiene in the early period. Another important risk factor is smoking. Scientific studies have found that the risk of developing periodontal disease in smokers is 3 times higher than in non-smokers. It is indisputable that smoking negatively affects the whole body health. Apart from these two basic risk factors, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menstruation, teeth clenching and grinding, stress,
Is there a relationship between systemic diseases and periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that causes the release of bacterial toxins. In recent years, studies on the subject include periodontal disease; It has been associated with many vital diseases, especially heart disease, diabetes, lung diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and premature birth. Individuals without or treated with periodontal disease may be more resistant to these other diseases than individuals with periodontal disease.
Can periodontal disease be treated?
Periodontal disease can be mild, moderate or severe in a single tooth or in all teeth. It is possible to treat periodontal disease, except for the type that is described as persistent. In addition to the treatment performed by the periodontologist, the patient’s proper and regular oral care as recommended by the doctor affects the success of the treatment positively.
Are periodontal treatments painful?
The treatment of periodontal disease begins with the removal of visible plaque and tartar on the tooth surface on the gingiva; this is called tartar cleaning/detarring. Local anesthesia is usually not required during this procedure. Afterwards, a deeper cleaning is needed in order to remove the inflammatory tissues in the gingiva and the attachments in the part of the tooth under the gingiva, which is completed in a few sessions by dividing the mouth into segments under local anesthesia and the procedure is called curettage. After curettage, the patient’s intraoral evaluation is made again, and if necessary, the procedures are continued with periodontal surgical treatments. During the treatments, patients do not feel any pain, but sensitivities may develop afterwards.
What are periodontal surgical treatments?
Flap operations, which can be performed using various techniques for the removal of diseased tissue, and regenerative procedures applied to restore lost tissues are among the main surgical treatments. Surgical treatments, which are planned considering the condition of the periodontal disease and the patient’s expectations, are performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient can return to his daily life by paying attention to a few simple things. Sutures are usually removed 1 week after surgery.
Does gingival recession occur as a result of periodontal disease?
Gingival recessions can be observed as a result of periodontal disease as well as due to other reasons such as brushing trauma and clenching. The root surface exposed as a result of the receding gingiva is more sensitive to heat and cold and is prone to caries. In some cases, it also creates an aesthetic problem. For this reason, it is possible to close the recession with soft tissue grafts taken from the palate or obtained externally.
What causes bad breath?
Halitosis is seen as 85-90% of oral origin. The presence of decayed teeth, incompatible restorations, poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease cause bad breath. First of all, it is possible to eliminate these existing problems by the dentist and then to completely eliminate the bad smell with simple applications recommended by the dentist. Apart from this, consultation with a medical doctor is appropriate for bad breath that can be seen in conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sinusitis.
How can I prevent bad breath?
First of all, a dentist check is required. Because as long as there is an untreated bacterial infection in the mouth, it is not possible for the patient to remove the bad odor on his own. In any case, preferably one before going to bed at night, brushing the surface of the tongue after brushing and threading at least two minutes twice a day for at least two minutes, preventing the dryness of the mouth by drinking water frequently will prevent bad breath in the simplest and healthiest way.
I have discoloration on my gums, what should I do?
In cases that are observed due to pigmentation and do not cause any pathology, it is possible to correct these discolorations with a simple surgical procedure. A return to the past can be observed over the years, and there is no harm in repeating the same procedures.
How can I protect my gum health?
Brushing/threading the teeth and regular dental check-up are essential for maintaining gingival health as well as for general oral health. Application techniques for brushing/threading should be done with products suitable for the patient as indicated by the dentist specifically for the patient. When you do not have the opportunity to brush, water should be drunk frequently or the mouth should be rinsed with water. It is recommended to minimize the consumption of hard or sticky sugary foods.
Each case should be evaluated individually. In the light of this general information, it would be most appropriate for you to go to an absolute dentist for control purposes or in line with your complaints and reach accurate and detailed information.