Gum disease, periodontitis
What is worth knowing about gum disease?
On our website, we have summarized the most important information about periodontal disease and gingivitis, so you can gain a deep insight into the subject. In our professional article, you can get expert answers to the following questions:
Gum recession - periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis , is an inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth . Gum disease is the common name for periodontal disease. The treatment of periodontal disease is dealt with by periodontology as a specialist field, and a periodontologist is a dental specialist concentrated on the treatment of the disease. Its significance is enormous, as it is a public health issue. Today, the most common cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease, not tooth decay.
The periodontium
In order to understand the disease in detail, let's say a few words about the structure of the tissues around the teeth. The periodontium is the set of tissues surrounding our teeth. The task of the periodontium is to keep our teeth stable but slightly flexible in our mouths. The roots of the teeth are covered with cement, they sit in the jawbone, to which they are connected through root membrane fibers. The jawbone is covered on the outside by the gums.
Gingivitis, Gum disease, which one means what?
Among the changes and diseases affecting the periodontium, the most noteworthy are the alterations based on inflammation. The two most important inflammatory alterations are gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). Gingivitis can only result in reversible inflammation of the gum tissue ( gingivitis), while periodontal disease can result in inflammation and irreversible destruction of all periodontal tissue.
In most cases, even today, patients do not emphasis sufficient importance to periodontal disease. Given that the symptoms does not appear to be serious, most people will easily turn a blind eye to a little bleeding gums or receding gums. However, it is important to note that diseases affecting the periodontium are considered public health issue, more than 90% of the population is affected to a greater or lesser degree , most often with gingivitis, less often with severe periodontitis with actual loss of adhesion. In the initial stages of the mentioned diseases, they are mostly painless, only a few mild symptoms may indicate their presence.
Causes of gum disease
Inflammation of the periodontium and the formation of gum disease are due to the presence of aggressive bacteria in our mouth. The cause of the disease is bacterial deposits (plaque, tartar) accumulating in the oral cavity, on the surface of which there is always a layer of fresh bacteria. These bacteria are also in our mouths when we are healthy, but they multiply and their composition changes in the case of insufficiently thorough brushing technique (improper, poor oral hygiene).
Gum disease and oral hygiene
The thickening of the plaque layer favors the appearance of bacterial strains that feel really good without the presence of oxygen (anaerobic). The thicker the plaque, the lower the oxygen concentration inside the plaque layer, which means that anaerobic bacteria predominate.
Inadequate oral hygiene therefore clearly favors the development of gum disease . In relation with this, all prosthetics, restorations, that cannot be sufficiently cleaned, i.e., make it difficult to eliminate plaque, increase the accumulation of plaque, the proliferation of bacteria, and thus the development of inflammatory processes. Therefore, perfect oral hygiene is a critical factor in the prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease. This is the most we can do to avoid the disease.
All dental interventions must take into account the protection of the periodontium! Making dentures that can be easily cleaned, have a smooth surface and accurate edge closure is the only acceptable solution so that patients do not suffer from inflammatory alterations with poorly executed prosthetics.
Smoking, immune system, and other factors in the development of periodontal disease
However, insufficient oral hygiene is not enough for the development of periodontal disease . In addition to the presence of plaque and aggressive bacterial strains, inadequate protection of the immune system is also necessary, which can be influenced partly by genetics and partly by certain hormonal changes and conditions. We cannot really avoid or influence these factors. What is particularly important in order to stop gingival atrophy is timely recognition.
It is also important to mention that smoking is a high risk factor in the development of the disease and in the worsening of already developed gum disease. For the success of periodontal disease treatment and the long-term stabilization of the inflammation-free state, it is important to keep in mind that smoking greatly impairs the blood circulation of the gums. Of course, the psychological state of people has a certain effect on our body, thus on the functioning of our immune system, but research has not yet been able to show a very close connection with the development of gingival atrophy.
Symptopms of periodontal disease or gum disease
Periodontitis is a disease that usually develops without visible symptoms and progresses over months or years, which after the initial bleeding gums and gingivitis only shows signs that are easily perceptible to the patient in an advanced state. Signs of gingivitis include more serious symptoms such as the mobility of teeth (teeth loosening), and sometimes the presence of pain and swelling. It is extremely important to recognize the disease in time, before serious symptoms develop.
For the purpose of early detection, we always start the examination of our patients with a thorough examination of the periodontium, and if we find signs of this, we immediately start periodontal treatment. Due to the hereditary tendency, strict and regular screening and examination of the relatives and children of patients who have already developed the disease is extremely important.
A very important part of establishing a diagnosis of gum disease is the use of precise, digital imaging procedures. Whether it is a panoramic X-ray, an X-ray taken using a parallel technique depicting groups of teeth, or a 3D CBCT, the basis of a sound, well-founded diagnostics is a thorough analysis of the X-rays. Whether the patient suffers from periodontitis with true loss of adhesion can only be clearly decided by analyzing X-rays.
Early symptoms of periodontal disease, which should be paid attention to:
- bleeding gums, gingivitis (e.g. when brushing);
- plaque, tartar accumulation between the teeth;
- swollen, red gums;
- occasional minor sensitivity;
- bad breath.
Adive from dental specialist
In the case of bleeding gums, loose teeth, or receding gums, always remember that the symptoms may also be caused by periodontitis (gum disease). Unfortunately, the disease is only rarely associated with intense pain. In the event of similar symptoms, contact us as soon as possible, as early detection of the disease is our greatest weapon!
dr. Gábor Berkei, periodontist, professional leader
Aggravation of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease always begins with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If recognized at an early stage, the disease can be easily stopped and reversed with appropriate treatment. In this phase, there is no irreversible damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth, so we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of the disease. The most typical symptom is bleeding gums when brushing your teeth and swollen, red gums. Bleeding during brushing occurs only in the rarest of cases due to brushing too hard or a toothbrush with too hard bristles, rather it is a clinical sign of gingivitis.
If the inflammation spreads to the hard tissues under the gums (bone, fibrous system), we are facing a more serious type of the disease. This is called periodontitis. In an advanced stage, the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth also becomes affected and dies, so that deep pockets are formed around the teeth, and an increasing part of the root is placed above the gums. The picture of gum disease in this case is typical and easily recognized by a dentist. In the final stage, the teeth also become loose, their stability is greatly reduced, and eventually, in the absence of proper treatment, the teeth fall out of place.
Symptoms of already developed periodontal diseases
- tooth loosening, moving tooth
- bad breath
- tooth shifting, crowding
- plaque, tartar accumulation on the surface of the teeth
- pain, swelling
- bleeding gums
- deep pockets around the teeth
- pus
Recognition of periodontal disease, examination options
Simple gum bleeding is also a warning sign that something is wrong with our teeth and gums. It is worth taking these small, seemingly insignificant symptoms very seriously, because we can stop or even reverse the harmful processes in the early stages of the development of the disease. Full knowledge of the initial state and the establishment of a suitable diagnosis are essential conditions for accurate planning. At Helvetic Clinics, we have at our disposal dental CT, dental X- ray , panoramic and intraoral Planmeca branded X-ray equipment that are maximally gentle on the human body .
The completed diagnostic images and treatment plan form the basis of the treatments to be carried out later.
The treatment of a patient suffering from periodontal disease always begins with a series of examinations covering the entire oral cavity. In addition to a detailed clinical examination and the recording of periodontal parameters (pocket depth), which is assisted by radiological X-ray examination.
During a clinical examination, the periodontologist examines the surfaces in the mouth, and then a so-called takes measurements with a periodontal probe next to one or even all teeth. The purpose of these measurements is to determine whether there are pockets around the teeth, the inflammatory state of the patient's gums, receding gums, and the current state of oral hygiene. In parallel with the clinical examination, an X-ray examination is also carried out.
This can be a digital panoramic recording , a long cone dental X-ray recording or a 3D CBCT recording. Based on these, your doctor will usually have enough information to establish a diagnosis.
The diagnostic examinations are followed by very strict periodontal planning, which decides on the removal of hopeless teeth, the future of questionable teeth, the steps to be taken in the treatment of teeth that can be kept, as well as the options for temporary and later permanent replacement of missing teeth. An integral part of the planning is the treatment plan, which contains all important information about the time course of the treatments, recovery times, and the costs of the treatments.
Treating gum disease is a team effort
The treatment of gum disease is based on precise periodontal diagnostics and a dental team with expertise and experience. In Helvetic Clinics, the therapeutic practice is provided by the 18-person medical team working with a periodontological approach supported by the digital diagnostic machinery.
In order to prevent gum disease, the accumulated deposits and discolorations are treated by removing tartar, since all elements that maintain inflammation must be removed from the surface of the teeth. Closed curettage and open curettage are also possible treatment methods against loose teeth. In this case, the inflamed tissues are removed under local anesthesia. In most cases, unsalvageable teeth with a hopeless prognosis must be removed. In addition to professional treatments, perfect oral hygiene is also important.
In order for our healing mission to be successful, we also need you. The fight against gingivitis does not end at the walls of the clinic. The accumulation of plaque formed from saliva in our mouth is continuous, which requires continuous activity on the part of the patients during the maintenance of daily oral hygiene. The treatment of periodontitis is a real team effort, in which the periodontist and the dental hygienist are just as important as your active participation.
A stable result is only possible with your active participation. Extreme motivation, perfect oral hygiene and regular check-ups after treatments ensure that your teeth remain healthy in the long term!
If you experience the above symptoms and want to save your teeth, do not delay the decision. Sign up for a periodontological consultation at 0539301323 and take part in a regular dental check-up.
FAQ - Frequently asked gum disease related questions
Is it necessary to take an X-ray in case of gum disease?
Given that the extent of the actual loss of adhesion cannot be determined clearly from a clinical examination alone, a digital X-ray is an essential part of a thorough, all-encompassing periodontal examination.
If I can't quit smoking, is there no point in treatment?
Of course, it is a great help in terms of treatment if the patient can successfully quit smoking, but even without this, we can take great steps towards recovery.
Can I get a gum disease diagnosis based on an X-ray over the phone or via email?
Despite the fact that an X-ray is a great help in establishing a diagnosis, a clinical examination of the patient's mouth cannot be dispensed with when examining diseases of the periodontium.
One of my parents also had gum disease and lost her teeth at a young age. Can it happen to me as well?
Given that the tendency to periodontal disease can be inherited, early detection is very important. Patients with a history of periodontal disease in their family should pay close attention to prevention and early detection.
Next to my dental crown, the gums are swollen, and purple in color. Could this be inflammation?
The non-precise edge closure, so-called along crowns with protruding edges, are much more difficult to keep the gums clean, because of this, the plaque that accumulates there can later cause inflammation or even bone loss. In such cases, it is very important to replace crowns, prosthesis, and fillings with easily cleanable, precise-edged prosthesis.
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