Your gums are important supporting structures of the tooth that surround and anchor them. They form a major component of the periodontium and maintain the integrity of your teeth and the oral cavity. Any infection or inflammation can lead to gum or periodontal disease that requires immediate attention.
The family dental care in Rockingham comprises skilled dental specialists who offer compassionate and comprehensive care for periodontal disease to restore oral form, function, and aesthetics.
A comprehensive guide to periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a common dental problem that results in the infection and inflammation of the gums and the bones that support your teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Poor hygiene typically gives way to increased bacterial accumulation and plaque adherence leading to periodontal disease.
Causes
Poor oral hygiene leads to increased bacterial colonization which forms an ideal environment for plaque adherence (a thin sticky coat formed on the tooth surface), which over some time hardens to form calculus. This releases harmful toxins and acids that erode the gums, and if left untreated it may spread to the underlying bone.
Risk factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excess alcoholism, and other forms of tobacco use
- Stress
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus
- Certain medications like antibiotics, and tetracyclines
Symptoms
Periodontal signs and symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, and engorged gums
- Discoloration of your gums (reddish, purplish, or greenish)
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Increase tooth sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots
- The tooth appears longer than normal due to exposure to the tooth roots
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Metallic taste
- Malocclusion or misalignment
- Loose teeth
Treatment
Several treatment options are available based on the severity and stage of the disease.
Mild to moderate cases
- Professional cleaning involving supragingival, subgingival scaling, and root planing
- Medications that include antibiotic gels and mouth rinse
- Pocket irrigation
Moderate to severe cases
- Pocket elimination surgery: Excising, and reattaching the lost gingival tissue to its original position
- Tissue regeneration: To rehabilitate and revitalize damaged tissue structure through PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
- Gum grafting: Gingival tissue grafts are extracted from other areas of the oral cavity to replace the lost gum tissues
- Bone grafting: Bone grafts are used to restore the jawbone thickness and volume
- Dental implants: Permanent posts that provide a strong anchorage to restorations like crowns, and bridges to replace missing teeth lost due to periodontal disease
Identifying early warning signs of periodontal disease is crucial to seek timely dental care. This helps curb the disease progression to prevent further oral deterioration. Your oral health is important since it paves the way for overall well-being!
