Gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, is a very serious infection that damages the soft tissue of the gums. If it remains untreated, it can also destroy the bone that supports the teeth. Gum disease can be the cause of loosening teeth or even lead to tooth loss. Though very common, periodontitis is preventable. The most prominent cause is poor oral hygiene. Getting regular checkups at a dentist in Tirana, brushing twice a day- after the first meal and after the last meal, and flossing daily can improve the chances of a very successful treatment for periodontitis and reduce as a result the chance of developing it.
Symptoms
Healthy gums have a pale pink color. They are solid and fit easily around teeth. Some of the signs and symptoms of periodontitis are:
- Swollen gums
- Gums in a bright red, dusky red, or purple color
- Tender gums
- Easily bleeding gums
- Pink-tinted toothbrush after brushing your teeth
- Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
- Bad breath
- The pus found between your teeth and gums
- Loosened teeth
- Loss of teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Spaces develop between your teeth
- Gums recede and make your teeth appear longer than normal
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together during biting
Causes
In the vast majority of cases, gum disease begins with plaque, which is an adhesive film containing mostly bacteria. If it doesn’t get the right treatment, plaque can over time progress to periodontitis:
Plaques will form on your teeth when sugars or scratches in food interact with bacteria found in your mouth normally. Brushing your teeth, as previously mentioned, twice daily, and flossing at least once a day (though the optimal practice would be to floss after every meal) removes plaque, but plaque can grow back quite easily.
If plaque stays longer in your teeth it will harden under the gumline into calculus, which is extremely difficult to eliminate and is full of bacteria. The longer it takes for plaque and calculus to be removed, the greater the damage they cause. Calculus cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone- a professional dental cleaning is required.
Plaque can be the cause of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis itself is the inflammation of the part of the gum tissue around the base of the teeth, also known as gingiva. In most cases, it is only possible to reverse this condition with professional treatment and appropriate oral care.
Continuous gum inflammation is another cause of gum disease. That is because pockets can develop between the gums and teeth that are filled with plaque, calculus, and bacteria. With time, these pockets become much more prominent and they get filled with more bacteria. When not treated, they can cause loss of gum tissue or even bone and they might be the cause of losing your teeth.
Risk factors
The factors that affect the risk of periodontitis or gum disease are:
- Gingivitis
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or consuming tobacco
- Hormonal alterations that happen during pregnancy or menopause
- Exercise-related drug use
- Obesity
- Sketchy nutrition, including the deficiency of Vitamin C
- Genetics
- Medications that affect the mouth and make it feel dry
- Medications that affect the gums
- Medical conditions that cause low immunity such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and leukemia
- Medical conditions such as diabetes
Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent periodontitis is to follow a preventative oral care regimen. This plan starts early in life and is practiced consistently throughout life.
Maintain proper oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth for three minutes at least twice a day- after the first meal in the morning and before retiring to bed at night, or after the last meal- and flossing at least once a day, though it is very recommended to clean your teeth after every meal. Flossing before brushing your teeth will help eliminate any food particles and bacteria stuck between your teeth. Taking proper oral care will prevent the development of a favorable environment around your teeth for bacteria that cause gum disease.
Regular dental checkups. You should see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months, especially if you have other risk factors such as dry mouth, smoking, or you are taking certain medications- as mentioned above. If you’re looking for affordable dental care consider a clinic in Albania as they offer the best prices for dental treatments.
Treatment
Periodontists, dental hygienists, and dentists can all treat gum disease. The aim of gum disease treatment is to clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. The treatment becomes highly effective when daily routines of practicing oral hygiene, management of health conditions, and cessation of smoking are added to the game.
Nonsurgical treatments
If periodontitis has not progressed, treatment is a less intrusive process and it includes:
Scaling. Scaling helps to remove calculus and bacteria from the tooth enamel and below your gums. It is performed using instruments such as a laser or an ultrasonic device.
Root planing. In the process of root planing, dentists smooth all the root surfaces, removing calculus and bacteria as well as any bacteria byproducts that may cause inflammation and delay healing.
Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics and topical creams can keep bacterial infections under control. Though topical antibiotics can get in the space between your teeth and gums or even in the pockets, oral antibiotics are the essential solution to eliminate bacteria that cause infection.
Surgical treatments
In the case that periodontitis has advanced, dental surgery might be needed. It’s important to choose a reputable dentist with years of experience when undergoing such treatments. One of the best choices you can make is contacting Dr. Roland Zhuka who offers an extensive expertise in all types of dental surgeries. He will evaluate your case during an initial consultation and offer you a free quote for your treatment.
Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). This involves tiny incisions in the gums so that a part of the gum tissue can be raised, allowing for more successful scaling and root planing. Periodontitis may oftentimes cause bone loss which is why most dentists recontour the underlying bone before suturing the gum tissue back in place. As a result of healing, the areas are much easier to clean.
Soft tissue grafts. Naturally, when gum tissue is lost, the gum line diminishes, so the damaged soft tissue needs to be reinforced. The reinforcement is normally done by removing a small amount of tissue from the palate known as the roof of your mouth. You can do this by using a donor source and placing this tissue at the affected site. Additionally, this whole process helps in reducing further gum recession while covering exposed roots and giving your teeth a more aesthetic appearance.
Bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure performed when gum disease ruins the bone that surrounds the tooth root. Your own bone or donated bone can be used to make the graft. The bone grafting procedure is done so you don’t lose your tooth as it holds the tooth in place. Furthermore, it promotes the growth of natural bone.
Guided tissue regeneration. Whenever a bone is destroyed by bacteria, this is the appropriate procedure to restore it. In only one approach, the dentist is able to place a piece of biocompatible fabric between the existing tooth and bone. Its material prevents any unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing the bone to grow back.
Tissue-stimulating proteins. Applying a special gel to the infected tooth root is an easy way to get rid of gum disease. This gel is compounded with proteins that are easily found in tooth enamel and it triggers the growth of healthy tissue and bone.
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