Periodontitis is a condition of the gums and of the other tissues that keep our teeth firmly anchored to the bone of our jaw. When not taken care of in time, it can have devastating consequences on the integrity of the smile. It is therefore of primary importance to know the signs and symptoms of periodontitis, as well as the associated risk factors in order to do the right thing to protect yourself.
Causes and consequences of periodontitis
To understand what periodontitis is, one must first know what the periodontium is. The periodontium represents all the tissues that support our teeth in the jaw: the gums, the dental cementum, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. The optimal health of all these tissues ensures a good support for the dentition.
However, factors such as inadequate oral hygiene, taking certain medications or certain health conditions may encourage the growth of bad bacteria inside the mouth. These bacteria then produce toxins that can cause inflammation of the gums: this is called gingivitis. With proper care, gingivitis can be easily treated, but if left untreated, inflammation may spread to other periodontal tissues. This is called periodontitis.
The main danger associated with this condition is that it causes irreversible tissue damage to the periodontium. In the long term, the support of the teeth can be considerably affected, which can lead to the loss of permanent teeth ...
Risk factors associated with periodontitis
Habits or factors that affect the effectiveness of the immune system and promote the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth are directly related to periodontitis. These risk factors include:
- The accumulation of plaque and tartar, caused by poor hygiene;
- A poor diet, too low in vitamins and minerals, can affect the effectiveness of the immune system;
- Smoking and alcohol consumption encourage the proliferation of bacteria;
- Stress;
- Taking certain medications that dehydrate the mouth;
- Pregnancy, which causes hormonal imbalance;
- Certain diseases that affect the efficiency of the immune system (diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc.).
Symptoms to watch for
People who are at risk for periodontitis should pay special attention to the following symptoms. First, it is important to know that periodontitis causes the formation of periodontal pockets. In fact, bacteria accumulate at the base of the teeth near the roots, ie under the gum. The toxins produced by these bacteria slowly degrade the alveolar bone of the periodontium, which increases the extent of the periodontal pockets.
Periodontitis is insidious because it causes only a few symptoms in its early stages. However, you should be careful and consult a dentist when you notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Gums have signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, bleeding when brushing teeth and flossing);
- Removal of the gums, which causes exposure of the tooth roots and gives the impression of having teeth that are longer;
- Teeth can become mobile;
- There is a risk of tooth hypersensitivity or even pain during chewing;
- The proliferation of bacteria causes persistent bad breath.
Treatment of periodontitis
If needed, dentists from Dents Mon Quartier can slow down the progression of periodontal disease thanks to appropriate treatment to address gum disease. With scaling and root planning, we will be able to remove all traces of bacteria, plaque and tartar accumulated under the gingiva and the periodontium. In more advanced cases, a gum graft may be advisable to give enough support to your teeth.
In all cases, our team will make sure to set up a periodontal maintenance program adapted to your condition, which will prevent the return of the disease. If you have concerns about the health of your gums and the tissues of your periodontium, plan a complete dental examination with our team!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D