Periodontitis is common, but it can largely be prevented. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontitis, also known as inflammation of the gums and the tissues that hold the tooth, is one of the most common dental diseases. It develops when the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth are damaged. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontitis is common, but it can largely be prevented. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, using interdental brushes or dental floss every day and regular dental check-ups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment and also reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- red gums
- swollen gums
- gum tissue sensitive to touch
- bleeding gums
- bad breath
- painful chewing
- new gaps forming between the gums and the teeth
- loose teeth that move when you touch them with your finger or tongue
- pus between the teeth and gums
- teeth that look longer – in fact, the gums have receded and exposed part of the root
- discomfort and pain in the gums
If these symptoms persist, you should see your dentist. The longer you ignore the inflammation and let it progress, the greater the risk of losing your teeth completely.
Types of periodontitis
Gum inflammation comes in several forms or types. What they have in common is that without treatment, bacteria damage the tissues around your teeth until the teeth lose their attachment to the jaw, which makes them loosen and fall out. The most common types of periodontitis are:
Chronic periodontitis
This is the most common type. It mainly affects adults, but children can suffer from it too. It is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar, which slowly damages the tissues around the teeth, the gums and the bone. The condition can get worse or better over time, depending on what the patient does about it.
Aggressive periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis usually starts in early adulthood or childhood and affects only certain groups of teeth. If left untreated, this destructive type causes rapid loss of teeth and bone. If you suspect this condition, treatment should start immediately.
Necrotizing periodontitis
Necrotizing periodontitis is the most severe type. It destroys the supporting tissues of the teeth because of insufficient blood supply, which leads to a serious infection. It usually occurs in people with a weakened immune system, for example during cancer treatment, with HIV infection, malnutrition and other immune disorders.
How to prevent periodontitis
The best way to prevent periodontitis is good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and before bed and using dental floss at least once a day. Good oral hygiene prevents bacteria from building up around your teeth. Also visit your dentist regularly. If you have risk factors that increase the likelihood of periodontitis – for example a dry mouth, certain medications or smoking – you may need professional cleaning more often. At Happydent, we provide dental hygiene in Košice and Chorvátsky Grob.
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