PERIODONTITIS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENTS - Dr. Aisha
April 14 2021
What Is A Gum Inflammation?
Bacterial inflammation to the gum is known as gingivitis; if this inflammation is ignored it will spread deep to the gums and start infecting the bones which hold the teeth in their place. At this stage, it is called periodontitis.
Reasons for developing periodontitis:
- The main cause is having a long standing plaque around your gums. Plaque is a sticky layer formed of food debris and bacteria, it is easily washed away by routine brushing, but if it’s not removed properly, it will harden with time, transforming into tartar(calculus), this will initiate a mild form of gum inflammation that can be easily revered by following a strict oral hygiene measures. But if left untreated it will lead to a more severe form of inflammation harming the deep gums and bones thus a visit to your dentist at this point is a must.
- It could be familial linked, even following good oral hygiene measures and maintaining regular appointments with your dentist you can still develop a certain type of periodontist.
- Certain medical condition and their medications can put you in a higher risk of developing gum inflammations. They reduce the blood flow to your gum thus affect your immunity.
- Smoking is considered a major factor of developing periodontist.
What Are The Symptoms of Periodontitis?
- Gums that bleed easily especially during brushing of teeth.
- Red swollen gums.
- Bad breath.
- Teeth become mobile with time.
What Happens If I don’t Treat My Inflamed Gums?
Periodontists is a series problem that needs to be managed straight away. If it is ignored then you should expect several consequences. Firstly, the infection can spread to your tooth causing painful pulp inflammation. Secondly, the infection can spread very deep to the gums and bones causing all the attachment that anchor the tooth in its place to be broken down. Finally, very loose teeth that will eventually require removal.
What Are The Treatment Options Available for Me?
Your dentist will perform deep professional cleaning of your gums, where they would use ultrasonic cleaning equipment to reach deep areas within your gum and clean any bacteria and tartar. In certain cases, they will need to introduce a therapeutic material inside your gum pockets to enhance the healing process.
Practicing good oral hygiene, your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to maintain a clean mouth, you need to brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss to clean between them and use antibacterial mouth wash to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Frequent follow up appointments to your dentist is a must, where they will measure the healing of your gums by examining your gum and taking frequent x-rays.
If you are suffering from persistent recurrent gum inflammation especially due to systemic illness, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to treat such cases.
Surgery, in more severe cases where the gums are badly damaged, and regular dental cleaning cannot be achieved, surgery is recommended. A flap is raised while the gum is reflected, deep cleaning is initiated, after that the gum is put back to its place and sutures are placed.
--- By Dr. Aisha I A Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh since 2019. She graduated from Tripoli University in 2016. She works as a general practitioner with special interest in Implantology.