Symptoms and Treatment of Periodontitis
Recognising Periodontal Disease Early to Treat and Prevent Problems
Oct 10, 2009
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects 30-50% of the United States population and is the major cause of tooth loss for people over 30. As most people wish to keep their teeth for as long as possible, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms so that treatment can be undertaken to prevent any further damage.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Gum disease rarely involves pain in the early stages, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and check for symptoms regularly so that any disease is identified before it has the opportunity to progress. Regular dental check-ups are an excellent way of ensuring dental problems do not go unrecognised.
Symptoms of periodontitis or gum disease include:
- Gums that are red, swollen or tender
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums that expose the lower part of the tooth
- Changes in the way teeth bite
- Teeth becoming loose
- Changes in the fit of any partial denture
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Many people whose teeth bleed when brushing tend to ignore it if there is no pain, but it is often the first sign of periodontal disease.
Treatment and Prevention of Periodontal Disease
If periodontitis is caught in the early stages, it can be treated by non-surgical scaling and root planing. An instrument called a curette is used to clean below the gum line and remove plaque, calculus and any inflamed soft tissues around the tooth. Root planning smooths rough spots where bacteria will collect on the tooth root and the gums can more easily reattach to the clean smooth surface of the tooth.
During the early stages, scaling and root planing might be all that is required to prevent periodontal disease fully developing, provided that good oral hygiene is practiced. The primary aim of the treatment is to remove the bacterial colonies so that the gum will no longer be inflamed and will shrink enough to eliminate the gap or pocket between teeth and gums so that bacteria can not grow there.
If the gum disease is advanced and deep pockets have developed around the teeth, then surgery is required. A flap procedure can be performed where gum tissue is lifted away from the teeth and any underlying calculus, tartar and inflamed tissue is removed. The gums are replaced and sewn in place to fit snugly around the teeth. The procedure can cause discomfort and takes from one to three weeks to heal.
Another surgery technique that can be used is soft tissue grafts that are sometimes used to fill-in places where gums have receded. Bone grafts are also sometimes used to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis. Treatment, especially that involving grafts, can also include the use of antibiotics to reduce gum inflammation.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease is Better Than Cure
Prevention of periodontitis can be achieved by a combination of good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Teeth should be brushed at least twice daily using a soft tooth brush to prevent damage to tooth enamel. When brushing, it is important to try and direct the bristles of the toothbrush under the gum line to disrupt bacterial growth there. Brushing the back surface of the teeth is just as important as brushing the front.
Flossing, tongue cleaning and using mouthwash can all reduce the accumulation of dental plaque. Preventative dentist visits every three to six months should include cleaning and scaling teeth to remove any build up of calculus followed by a fluoride application to help prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and without daily oral hygiene, periodontitis can not be stopped.
Related Article
What is Periodontitis and What Causes it? This article helps readers understand periodontal or gum disease and how it is caused.
Gum Disease - Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis – Periodontitis
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
