Periodontal disease is an infection that occurs in the oral cavity caused by the formation of plaque that adheres to the teeth and below the gum line. Gingivitis happens when bacterial plaque feeds on food particles rich in starch and sugar left in the mouth after eating. With the proper practice of oral hygiene like brushing and flossing, plaque can be easily prevented from forming build ups. However, once plaque hardens into tartar, this needs professional cleaning by a dentist. When plaque is left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the more severe type of gum infection known as periodontitis which will then require serious treatment.
The symptoms of gum disease with mild infection include reddish and swollen gums. Eventually, plaque that forms on the teeth and gums hardens into tartar, making bacteria easy to grow and multiply fast. It is then difficult to control their growth by mere brushing and flossing. When this trend is taken for granted, the plaque will continue to spread under the gum line and will then form pockets filled with bacteria. Receding gums will later cause wobbly tooth which eventually lead to tooth loss.
When bacteria in the mouth start to produce toxins, these can leak into the bloodstream and will affect your systemic organs. It has been shown in researches that individuals with periodontal disease have increased risk of developing stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Also, women who are pregnant and are suffering from gum disease are more likely to give birth to premature babies.
There are a lot of ways to treat gum disease. Periodontitis treatment will depend upon how severe the gum condition already is. There are non-surgical options for treatment which include root planing and scaling. Your dentist can suggest these methods for cleaning the oral cavity by getting rid of all traces of tartar from the surface of the teeth or below the gums as well as take away the diseased root surfaces of the teeth that were infected.
Surgery can be the last option for gums that are already infected deeply. Flap surgery is done by cutting flaps of the gums and pulled back to expose the diseased root for thorough cleaning. At other times, severely damaged bones or gum tissues are removed and healthy gums are grafted to replace them. When the tooth is already heavily damaged, tooth extraction can be done as a last resort.
In order to prevent periodontal disease, good brushing and flossing techniques must be practiced daily. Always consult your dentist if you feel you are already suffering from mild infection to have the gum problem treated before it progresses to the more dangerous gum condition which is periodontitis.
