Periodontopathy is a disease of the teeth’s supportive structures, including the gums, bone, and tissue surrounding the tooth root. When the gums become inflamed, bacteria spread to the bone around the teeth, leading to gum and bone recession. The final result of periodontal disease is tooth loosening and loss, even though the teeth may be completely healthy.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Poor oral hygiene: The main cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque, a layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can turn into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation.
- Improper tooth alignment: Misaligned teeth can make cleaning more difficult and allow plaque to accumulate more easily.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people are genetically more prone to periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, which affect the body’s ability to fight infections, can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease by reducing blood flow to the gums and weakening the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight infections.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones, especially during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause, can make the gums more sensitive, increasing the risk of inflammation and gum disease.
- Poor nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, especially vitamin C, can weaken the immune system and impair tissue regeneration, contributing to the development of gum disease. Additionally, a diet primarily consisting of soft foods can negatively affect the stimulation of tissues around the teeth.
What Does Periodontal Disease Treatment Involve?
- Professional cleaning (scaling): The first step is to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. After tartar removal, the teeth are polished.
- Deep cleaning (gum curettage): This procedure involves removing bacteria and tartar from the pockets around the teeth and smoothing the tooth roots so the gums can reattach to the tooth.
- Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are sometimes used during acute stages of the disease to eliminate infection or reduce bacterial colonization of the gums.
- Bite correction: If the bite is irregular, corrective therapy may be recommended to reduce pressure on the teeth and gums.
- Laser therapy: In some cases, a laser is used to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums, which can reduce the need for surgery.
- Surgical treatment: This type of treatment includes various surgical interventions, which may include artificial bone grafting.
Comprehensive treatment also involves changes in daily oral hygiene (regular tooth brushing, using dental floss, interdental brushes, and antiseptic mouth rinses) to prevent further disease progression.
Consequences of Untreated Periodontal Disease
Untreated periodontal disease can have serious consequences for the health of the teeth, gums, and overall health. Here are the most significant consequences:
- Tooth loss: As the disease progresses, damage occurs to the supportive tissues and bones holding the teeth in place, leading to tooth loosening and loss.
- Gum recession: Untreated gum inflammation can cause gum recession, exposing the tooth roots. This not only causes sensitivity but also increases the risk of root decay.
- Formation of periodontal pockets: As the gums recede and tissue deteriorates, “pockets” form between the teeth and gums. These pockets can become infected and deepen, further complicating cleaning and accelerating disease progression.
- Chronic infection: In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to the formation of abscesses (pockets of pus) in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort.
- Increased risk of systemic diseases: Evidence suggests that periodontal disease can increase the risk of serious health issues. Bacteria from periodontal pockets can spread through the bloodstream, posing significant risks to cardiovascular patients, diabetics, individuals with respiratory issues, and pregnant women.
- Aesthetic issues: Gum recession and tooth loss can significantly impact the facial appearance and the smile, leading to reduced self-confidence and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
For this reason, maintaining regular oral hygiene and scheduling timely dental checkups is key to preventing these consequences.
