What is a gum disease (periodontal disease?)

Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and the tissues around the teeth. It accounts for 70 % of tooth losses in adults. If diagnosed in an early stage, periodontal diseases may be easily and effectively treated. Prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases allow us to save natural teeth and thus to maintain a better chewing and digestive function. Initial signs of a periodontal disease are bleeding at the teeth-gum borders while brushing the teeth and discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink, not red). This is the early stage of the disease, during which it may not give symptoms or cause much discomfort. If not treated, the disease advances further, causing destruction of the bone and gum tissues that support the teeth, a condition that is mostly irreversible. In advanced stages a periodontal “pocket” forms between teeth and gums, which facilitates the settling and progression of the disease. With advancing disease, the teeth may become loose due to bone resorption and occasional abscess formation and may need to be removed.

Before

After

 

What are the symptoms and signs of periodontal diseases ?
There are many signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases, the most prevalent being the following: bleeding gums while brushing, red, swollen and sensitive gums; soft gums separating easily from teeth. Pus discharge from between teeth along the gumline, loose and spaced teeth (forming of gap between teeth and widening of existing gaps), persistent bad breath.

Healty Teeth and Gums	Early Periodontitis	Advanced Periodontitis

What is the cause of periodontal diseases ?
The single most important cause of periodontal diseases is the sticky and colourless stain layer, called “bacterial tooth plaque“, that accumulates on the teeth. Removing of the tooth plaque through daily brushing and use of dental floss is a basic need for a healthy mouth. If the plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden and form bacteria-harboring tooth stone or “tartar” that doesn’t clean. In such cases, the disease advances further, resulting in deepening “gum pockets” and destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. In untreated cases teeth become loose and need to be removed.

How can periodontal diseases be prevented ?
The most important task in preventing periodontal diseases lies within patients’ own responsibility. It is necessary to remove the bacterial tooth plaque with regular daily tooth care (tooth brushing, use of floss). Visiting a dentist regularly is equally important. Daily tooth care procedures can minimize the bacterial plaque formation, but may not be able to prevent it completely..

What is the treatment of periodontal diseases ?
The treatment in the early stages of periodontal diseases involves removing the plaques through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. This procedure provides for elimination of germs and irritants causing gingival infection. This treatment is usually adequate for the disappearance of the “pocket” and gum disease. In most cases in initial stages of periodontal diseases, effective daily oral care is adequate for a successful treatment after tooth stone cleaning, plaque removal and root planing. More advanced cases may need operation on the gums.

Following the periodontal treatment, patients should be regularly checked by their dentists for 6 months or one year. An effective application of daily care procedures by the patient is the most important factor for a successful treatment.