It is necessary to talk about periodontitis as often as possible because it is a very serious disease that is present in up to 40% of adults. Periodontitis often leads to complete tooth loss. The onset of periodontitis can be very serious; inflammatory processes, bleeding and additional problems can significantly disrupt your quality of life.

How to recognize the symptoms of periodontitis?

Periodontitis is essentially an inflammatory process that affects the deeper structures of the gums. This is a disease of the supporting structures of the teeth, the periodontium, which consists of the gums, bone and fibers that support the tooth. And can lead to the rapid loss of  teeth.

Bacterial deposits that cause tooth decay are the initial culprits of periodontitis. Initially inflammation of the gums occurs. The swelling and redness can often lead to bleeding when brushing your teeth. Bacterial deposits can turn into plaque and if the plaque is not removed over time. It starts to harden and mineralize into tartar. Unfortunately, this is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

If the inflammation is ignored, periodontitis can progress quickly and lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss. When the disease is officially diagnosed, the bacteria may begin to act more aggressively and attack the deeper structures, that is, the gap between the tooth and the bone, where the bacteria continue to accumulate even more. At that stage, patients begin to notice the symptoms of periodontal disease more clearly.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding gums when touching or brushing. Another symptom is receding and swelling of the gums, loose teeth and the appearance of periodontal pockets, pus between the teeth, bad breath, vague pain in the teeth and gums and very bad and unpleasant breath. 

It may also happen that symptoms are imperceptible at first.

Complications that may occur

This is a complicated disease that can cause rapid tooth loss. Unfortunately, this disease can negatively affect the work of the heart, lungs and other organs. Because the infection can enter the bloodstream through the gums. Periodontitis is often associated with arthritis, coronary heart disease, heart attack and even stroke.

Types of periodontitis

There are three categories of this unpleasant disease. They are as follows:

• Chronic periodontitis: this is the most common form of periodontitis. The main characteristics refer to the slow development of the disease, it mainly occurs in adults.
• Aggressive periodontitis: it can develop in childhood, and sometimes even before the age of three, in which case the teeth may fall out before the age of 20.
• Necrotic periodontitis: necrotic lesions of the gingiva and alveolar bone are the main characteristic of this type of periodontitis, and it most often occurs in people with HIV.

Can the consequences of periodontal disease be reversed?

The damage caused by periodontitis can often be reversed and cured, if caught early. It is very important to react as quickly as possible and start repairing the damage that has occurred. 

However, this damage cannot be repaired without detailed and demanding dental treatments. The dentist can compensate for the damage with operations that will reduce the periodontal pockets. And also regenerate bone loss in the jaw with various methods. 

If you have experienced tooth loss, there are solutions. Dental implants are a great option. Dental implants can prevent further tooth loss and movement of the remaining teeth. And will restore the appearance and function of the teeth you have lost.

Why is it so important to heal gum tissue?

Gums are incredibly important for the entire human body. You read it right! For the whole body! 

In order to have healthy teeth it is necessary to have healthy gums. Therefore, it is necessary to do everything you can to fight against the formation of bacteria in your mouth and gums. All you need to do is commit to maintaining good oral hygiene. If you want additional help in preventing gum disease, you can also choose special mouth rinses that are intended for this particular problem.

Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent periodontal disease as well as remove tartar. If you smoke, quitting will help with prevention. Using antibacterial toothpaste can kill bacteria and reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth, which is the key to preventing gum disease and improving oral health.

The best thing you can do to fight periodontitis is visit our office regularly for checkups and routine cleanings. Do your part by maintaining a healthy hygiene routine at home, but make sure to call us right away if you notice any symptoms. We are here to help you achieve a healthy smile.