The health of your mouth is very important. Maintaining good oral health is essential to avoid serious problems in the future. And, one of those problems due to not maintaining good oral health is periodontitis.
But, Do you know what it is? What can it cause you? Or what are their causes?
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an infectious disease affecting the periodontium, i.e. the tissues that surround, support and protect the teeth.
This is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and can destroy bone and cause loosening or loss of teeth.
Although common, periodontal disease can be prevented with good oral health and good hygiene habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing and regular dental checkups.
It is in these controls where you can check the state of health of our mouth and prevent periodontal diseases such as periodontitis.
What types of periodontitis are there?
There are several different types of periodontitis, the most frequent being:
– Chronic periodontitis: This is the most common type and mainly affects adults. However, children and adolescents can also suffer from it. Caused by plaque buildup and involves slow deterioration that may improve or worsen over time. But it eventually destroys the gums and bones, as well as causing tooth loss if left untreated.
– Progressive periodontitis: Usually begins in childhood or early adulthood and affects a small number of people. It has a genetic factor and causes a rapid progression of bone and tooth loss if left untreated.
– Periodontal abscess: It represents the extension of the bacterial infection to the periodontal tissues increasing the proportion of bone destruction, due to the fact that the pus retained in the periodontal pockets cannot be drained.
What are the causes of periodontitis?
Periodontitis, as we have indicated, can be prevented or avoided by following hygienic habits and having regular check-ups.
In the vast majority of cases, periodontal diseases or periodontitis are caused by the action of bacteria that live in our mouth.
These bacteria form an adhesive film on our teeth, bacterial plaque, which can harden under the gum line and turn into tartar.
This is more difficult to remove and is full of bacteria. In addition, the longer tartar and plaque remain on our teeth, the greater the damage can be.
And, to remove that tartar, you would need to have your teeth professionally cleaned, as it does not go away by daily brushing or flossing once it is formed.
All this can lead to accumulated plaque causing gingivitis, the irritation and inflammation of the gum area surrounding the base of the teeth.
It is this ongoing inflammation that can cause periodontitis, which, over time, causes pockets to form between the gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria.
There are also other factors linked to periodontitis such as:
– Stress.
– Tobacco.
– Systemic diseases such as diabetes.
– Low defenses.
– Hormonal changes.
In general, periodontitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. That is why brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and having regular checkups can reduce the chances of getting periodontal disease.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
– Bleeding gums: This is the main sign that can put us on alert. It may be spontaneous bleeding or bleeding during brushing.
– Halitosis or bad breath.
– Hypersensitivity to cold.
– Mobility or separation of teeth.
– Loss of gum.
– Loss of teeth.
– Appearance of phlegmons or abscesses in the gum if periodontal disease is left untreated, as this is indicative of advanced periodontitis.
Do you need a personalized diagnosis?
In Cervantes Dental Clinic in Granada we care about your dental health, so we advise you properly to treat your specific case.
As we always say, each one of us is different, and so is our case. For this reason, personalized and attentive service is our daily routine.
If you need a periodontitis treatment in Granada, just call or write us, we will be happy to assist you.
Smile is a universal language. Come to our dental clinic in Granada and we will advise you. First appointment free of charge!
