Periodontitis (also called periodontitis and gum disease) is a progressive disease and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in developed countries. Periodontal disease occurs when toxins in plaque begin to irritate or inflame the gum line (gum tissue).
The resulting bacterial infection, often referred to as gingivitis, can eventually lead to the destruction of gum tissue and underlying bone. If left untreated, periodontitis can also lead to the loss or loss of teeth. There are many common types of periodontal disease, including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing periodontitis and periodontitis associated with systemic disease. Each of these types of periodontitis has its own unique characteristics and symptoms, and all require prompt treatment by a dentist to stop bone and tissue loss.
Common signs and symptoms
It is important to note that periodontal disease can exist without any symptoms. That is why routine dental check-ups in Dubai are extremely important. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are described below. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you should seek advice from a general dentist or periodontist as soon as possible:
Unexplained bleeding:
Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating is one of the most common symptoms of periodontal infection. Toxins from the plaque cause a bacterial infection that makes the tissue susceptible to bleeding.
Pain, Redness, or Swelling:
A periodontal infection may be present when the gums become swollen, red, or painful for no apparent reason. It is important to stop the progression of the infection before it affects the gum tissue and jawbone. It’s also important to treat the infection before it spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Longer teeth:
Periodontitis can lead to receding gums. Toxins produced by bacteria can destroy supporting tissues and bones, making your teeth appear longer and your smile appear “toothier.”
Halitosis:
Although bad breath can come from the back of the tongue, lungs, and stomach, from food, or from smoking, bad breath can be caused by old food debris. They settle between the teeth and under the gum line. Deeper gum pockets can harbor more dirt and bacteria and cause bad odor.
Loose teeth/change in bite:
A sign of rapidly progressing periodontitis is loosening or displacement of teeth in the affected area. As bone tissue is destroyed, teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone become loose or can change position.
Pus:
The flow of pus between the teeth is a sure sign that a periodontal infection is in progress. Pus is the result of the body trying to fight off the bacterial infection.
Treatment of Periodontitis
It is of utmost importance to stop the progression of periodontitis before it causes further damage to the gums and jaw tissues. For periodontal treatment in dubai the dentist will first examine the entire mouth to check the development of the disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, the dentist may treat the bacterial infection with antibiotics along with surgical or non-surgical treatment, or both. For moderate periodontitis, the periodontal pockets (below the gumline) are completely removed using a procedure called scaling and root planing. Pockets can be filled with antibiotics to promote proper healing and kill any remaining bacteria.
- Severe periodontitis can be treated in a number of ways, such as:
- Laser treatment: This treatment can be used to reduce the size of the pockets between teeth and gums.
- Bone and Tissue Grafting: If a significant amount of bone or gum tissue has been destroyed, the dentist may decide to graft new tissue by inserting a membrane to stimulate tissue growth.
- Pocket Removal Surgery: The dentist may opt for “flap surgery” to directly reduce the size of the periodontal pockets.
If you have additional questions about the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, consult your dentist.
