Periodontitis – causes, symptoms, treatment [WE EXPLAIN]

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Periodontitis is an infection that attacks the periodontal tissues and leads to inflammation. The disease is caused by bacteria that multiply in the mouth as a result of poor hygiene or incorrect brushing of the teeth. Periodontitis is the most common condition in people over 40 (more often in men).

A few words about periodontitis

Periodontitis (periodontitis) is a disease of the oral cavity, the second most common disease after tooth decay. Its prevalence and the effects it causes can be boldly included in the group of social diseases. Periodontitis concerns the periodontium, structures surrounding and supporting our teeth, such as: root cement, gum, periodontium, alveolar bone.

Therefore, it is a dental and alveolar disorder that affects most people over 40 (there are also younger ones). Periodontal infection causes inflammation that causes our teeth to start moving. At the beginning, the symptoms of the disease are unnoticeable, and only with the development of periodontitis do they become more and more severe.

That is why it is important to visit the dentist regularly so that disturbing changes can be detected as soon as possible. The symptoms of periodontitis should not be underestimated, as if left untreated, it can lead to the loss of all teeth in extreme cases.

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The causes of periodontitis

Periodontitis is one of the most common problems in human dentition. It occurs mainly in people over 40, more often in men. Its feature is chronic inflammation not only of the gums but also of other deeper structures, including the bones of the mandible and maxilla. This condition leads to the destruction of the structures that keep the tooth in the socket. Unfortunately, you may end up losing all your teeth.

The main cause of periodontitis is improper tooth brushing or poor oral hygiene. Some sources also mention among the reasons:

1. incorrect composition of saliva,
2. weakened immune system,
3. genetic factors.

A million different microorganisms are present in the oral cavity, and due to the lack of proper hygiene, they can rapidly multiply. This creates a soft, white-yellow coating on the crowns of teeth, referred to by dentists as plaque.

Within a few weeks, it causes micro-damage to the teeth and inflammation of the gums. Over time, soft plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Bacteria and mucosal cells often gather under it. As a result of their accumulation, inflammation develops, which may not be symptomatic for many years. If left untreated, it causes irreversible changes in the area of ​​the tooth seating system.

The correct bacterial flora of the oral cavity can be maintained by using the LACTIBIANE Buccodental Probiotic for oral cavity infections and caries, which supports the prevention and treatment not only of caries, but also of oral cavity inflammation.

Another type of stone is a dark brown or black subgingival stone. It develops at the border between the gums and teeth and, unlike tartar, it grows towards the roots, destroying the tooth anchoring system.

Untreated inflammation of the teeth and gums turns into chronic periodontal disease – periodontitis. Periodontitis are the tissues that surround a tooth and hold it into the bone. It consists of the gums, root cementum, ligaments anchoring the tooth in the socket, and the alveolar bone of the maxilla and mandible. As a result of inflammation, the apparatus is damaged and the teeth are less and less embedded in the socket.

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Periodontitis – risk factors

There are several factors that increase the risk of periodontitis and increase the likelihood of disease progression. There are several risk factors for periodontitis.

Smoking cigarettes and periodontitis

1. smokers are much more likely to suffer from periodontitis than non-smokers,
2. the disease progresses much faster in smokers than in non-smokers,
3. even with good oral hygiene at home, smokers experience greater bone loss.
4. periodontal treatment (e.g. implants and grafts of gums or bones) is less effective in smokers than in non-smokers, because wound healing is much slower in them,
5. approximately 90% of the cases in which periodontitis does not respond to treatment are in smokers
6. ex-smokers’ gums may improve within a few years and with good professional care. Only one year after quitting, ex-smokers respond better to treatment than patients who continue to smoke.
7. it is strongly recommended to quit smoking.

Heredity of periodontitis

1. some people may have a genetic predisposition to suffer from gum disease,
2. the way the immune system responds to harmful bacteria can differ from person to person, due to genetic differences. As a result, not all people develop symptoms of periodontitis in the same way.

Age and the occurrence of periodontitis

1. periodontitis may begin at 18 years of age in rare cases, and in very rare cases even during adolescence.
2. most cases develop after the age of 35,
3. the disease usually progresses slowly, people with periodontitis do not detect the first problems much later – sometimes when it is too late,
4. in old age, the consequences of periodontitis can be more severe – there is more bone loss and more tooth loss.

Type 2 diabetes and periodontitis

1. diabetics whose blood sugar levels are not controlled are more likely to develop periodontitis,
2. periodontitis and diabetes have a two-way influence. Diabetics whose blood sugar levels are not controlled are more likely to develop periodontitis. And patients with periodontitis have an increased risk of developing diabetes,
3. diabetics with well-controlled blood sugar levels do not have an increased risk of periodontitis,
4. the treatment of one disease has a positive effect on the treatment of the other,
5. it is important that people with diabetes regularly check their dental health.

Incorrect diet and periodontitis

1. an unhealthy diet rich in processed foods and refined carbohydrates – increases the tendency of the gums to become inflamed,
2. in both gingivitis and periodontitis, this can lead to greater swelling of the gum line and increased damage to the structures supporting the teeth,
3. an unhealthy diet also increases the risk of diabetes, which can exacerbate periodontitis further.

Excessive stress and periodontitis

1. mental stress and emotional tension can weaken the immune system and lower the gums resistance to harmful bacteria,
2. People with a weakened immune system may be more prone to gum disease as a result of constant stress.

Symptoms of periodontitis

Initially, the only symptoms of periodontitis are slight soreness, swelling and bleeding from the gums. With time, the bacteria move to the interdental spaces and then deeper into the gingival pockets. By accumulating in them, they lead to putrefying processes, which are one of the most common causes of bad breath.

1. Try the SeptOral Med mouthwash after dental procedures, which has a soothing and regenerating effect on the oral mucosa.

As a consequence, the pockets and then the roots of the teeth are exposed. Then there is an attack by periodontium bacteria. The connection between the tooth and the surrounding tissues is weakened and, as a result, the teeth wobble or even fall out.

What symptoms should worry us?

1. tooth mobility,
2. unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth,
3. bleeding gums (when brushing or spontaneously)
4. teeth hypersensitivity (to extreme temperatures),
5. exposure of the necks of the teeth,
6. protrusion / deflection of teeth, tooth cavity,
7. swelling of the gums
8. reddening of the gums,
9. in extreme cases purulent discharge.

Unfortunately, the first symptoms of periodontitis are very often ignored, so patients come to the dentist too late. The herald of the disease is usually gingivitis, which is caused by tartar.

1. Also read: Stages of Gum Disease

Diagnostics of periodontitis

At the beginning, the doctor assesses the advancement of periodontitis. For this purpose, examinations are carried out using a digital periodontal probe PA-ON, thanks to which it is possible to diagnose periodontal diseases at an early stage. In addition, this method reduces the risk of these diseases and helps to control the effects of treatment in advanced cases. There is no need to wait for the results as they are immediately visible in the periodontal diagram. This study is very reliable.

How to treat periodontitis?

Depending on the severity of periodontitis, various methods of treatment are used.

In the initial stage of the disease, the dentist gives some advice on the selection of a toothbrush, appropriate brushing techniques (e.g. rotating and sweeping movements with the toothbrush) and general rules of oral hygiene (using dental floss, mouthwash, etc.). Try the special Vitamy Aurum Sonic Toothbrush with polishing function, which is also suitable for people struggling with periodontitis. Do you want to buy a sonic toothbrush and do not know which one to choose? See the offer of sonic toothbrushes available on Medonet Market.

In a situation where the plaque is clearly visible, the dentist performs a hygienization procedure, which consists in the thorough removal of plaque and tartar, polishing the surface of the teeth and protecting them against recurrent plaque formation.

In further treatment, cleaning of the periodontal pockets is carried out. After its completion, most patients are given antibiotics (in the form of tablets or ointments), which will effectively eliminate the settled bacteria.

The following are used for professional tooth cleaning:

1. polishing instruments (eg polishing pastes, contra-angles with rubber bands);
2. handheld devices (curettes, sickles),
3. mechanical devices for the removal of tartar (e.g. ultrasonic),
4. mechanical devices for removing discoloration and soft plaque, e.g. sandblasting machines.

In advanced periodontitis, when periodontal tissue regeneration is necessary, the following surgical procedures are performed:

1. gingivectomy,
2. curettage,
3. flap operation,
4. gum and bone correction procedures.

In some cases, preparations that accelerate the reconstruction of bones and periodontal tissues show a good effect.

A significantly damaged periodontium may be an indication for splinting procedurethat is, to temporarily create a kind of scaffold to stabilize wobbling teeth. This scaffold is removed after some time, as the gingival lesions heal.

Curiosity: The department of dentistry that deals with gum disease is periodontics.

1. Find out more about tartar

Periodontitis – consequences

Tooth loss: if the progression of periodontitis is not stopped, the supporting structures of the teeth – including the surrounding bone – will be destroyed. The teeth will eventually come loose and will either fall out on their own or will need to be removed. It is estimated that approximately 70% of tooth loss in adults is caused by periodontitis.

Eating problems: periodontitis weakens the structures that hold the teeth in place. Wobbly teeth can cause problems when chewing. Affected people may to some extent adapt their chewing habits to teeth that can still be used. If the damage continues – and especially in the case of tooth loss – people with periodontitis will only be able to eat soft foods.

Speaking problems: loose teeth caused by periodontitis can make it difficult to speak clearly. If the visible front teeth in the upper jaw are dispersed due to periodontitis, the gaps formed may cause speech problems (for example, sibilant sounds such as “S” may not be clearly marked). Singers and musicians who play wind instruments can also have problems if teeth start to break apart due to periodontitis.

Appearance problems: people with periodontitis may have problems with their appearance (aesthetic problems). The gums are dark red due to inflammation, the teeth look longer because of receding gums, and the roots (which are darker than the crowns of the teeth) become visible – all of this can look unattractive. When teeth relax, they can spread apart, leaving dark spaces (black triangles) between them, and if teeth are lost due to periodontitis, unattractive gaps can appear.

Bad breath: the bacteria that cause inflammation associated with periodontitis can also cause bad breath. The types of bacteria that cause periodontitis thrive in the gum pockets and produce unpleasant volatile sulfur compounds. Bad breath should be treated by professional dental cleaning and home oral hygiene.

Negative Effects on Overall Health: it is now known that untreated periodontal disease can have serious consequences for overall health. Periodontitis means an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and complications during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight).

In fact, periodontitis is associated with over fifty diseases and conditions, including chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer.

Can periodontitis be prevented?

Although periodontitis is a common disease that affects many people, it is possible to prevent it. It is enough to properly take care of oral hygiene and regularly visit the dentist’s office. You will also benefit from giving up stimulants and implementing a healthy diet. The main thing is not to ignore any symptoms and consult your dentist in any worrying case.