Introduction

Periodontal diseases are gum diseases. They refer to inflammation and infection of the tissues (bone and gum) that support and surround the teeth.

Teeth are essential in human health. They play roles such as:

• Biting food.
• Crushing food.
• Beauty.

 Key Facts & Statistics

What are the key facts and statistics about periodontal disease?

• Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
• Approximately 50% of US adults have some type of gum disease.

 

 Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?

• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Poor oral hygiene.medications.
• Obesity.
• Underlying autoimmune conditions such as scleroderma.
• Stress.
• Heart diseases.
• Genetics.
• Hormonal changes in persons assigned female at birth.
• AIDS and its medications.

 

 Causes

What are the causes of periodontal diseases?

Plaque build-up in teeth is the main cause as to why periodontal disease develops. Several forms of bacteria are contained in plaque and they infect the gums.

Genetics can also contribute to periodontal disease by altering the way in the immune system responds to bacteria.

 

 Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases?

• Bleeding gums.
• Soreness.
• Unpleasant breath.
• Gum recession.
• Pain while chewing food.

 

Stages

Periodontal disease progresses in 4 stages which are: gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

 

Gingivitis

•  It is the initial stage.
•  It usually begins with red gums that are also puffy.
• Bleeding may occur during tooth brushing.
• This stage can be reversed if properly treated.

 

Mild periodontitis

Bacteria enter into the gums and affect the respective bones that provide support.

 

Moderate periodontitis

Unpleasant breath, gum infections and pain occur when mild periodontitis is left untreated due to erosion of ligaments, soft tissues and bones by bacteria.

 

Advanced periodontitis

• There is continuous loss of bone and worsening of the disease.
• The teeth become loose and fall out.

 

Types

What are the most common types of periodontal disease?

• Gingivitis.
• Periodontitis.

 

 Diagnostic Procedures  & Tests

How is periodontal disease diagnosed?

Procedures for diagnosis include:

• Oral examination by a dentists.
• Assessment and evaluation by a periodontist.
• Measurement of pockets around the teeth by use of a periodontal probe.
• Dental X-ray tests.

 

 Treatment and Management

How is gum disease treated?

This condition is incurable. However, it can be appropriately managed and treated.

Treatment strategies include:

•  Dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Scaling and root planing.
• Pocket reduction surgery (osseous surgery).
• Bone grafting.
• Gum grafting.

 

 Complications

What are the complications of gum disease?

Frequent infections is one of the consequences  gum disease.

 

Prevention

How do we prevent periodontal disease?

Gum disease can simply be prevented by proper oral hygiene.

Several strategies can be embraced to lower risk of developing gum disease. These include:

•  Avoiding smoking tobacco products.
•  Visiting the dentist regularly  for oral check-ups.
•  Brushing teeth at least twice per day.