Periodontology – Avoid tooth loss by early screening!

Gum disease – also popularly called periodontal disease – describes the chronic inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria which have spread to the gums, tooth roots and jaw bones. If left untreated, it results in receding gums, loosening of teeth and ultimately tooth loss.

Scientific studies show that today about 90% of over 30 year-olds suffer from various forms of gum disease (periodontitis). Yet, most are not even aware of their disease, because the danger is that the inflammation usually increases completely painless and is therefore not recognized. Aches and pains only show up in the final stage, when the impugned teeth lose their grip, loosen and fall out or have to be removed. Many do not know that periodontal disease e.g. can be transmitted by kissing. Periodontitis is an infectious disease. 

If over an extended period of time plaque, which forms as a clear film over the teeth and gums, remains on the tooth surface by incorrectly performed or poor oral hygiene it will initially cause gingivitis (gum inflammation). Gingivitis is exclusively limited to the gums (gingiva). The bacteria that causes this plaque attacks the gum tissue and tooth enamel, causing both gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent plaque from leading to gum disease, it is a good idea to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. This should include brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and the precursor to more complex problems.Gum disease is a progressive condition and increases in severity the longer it is left untreated. The treatment of the disease will require different levels of care, with more complex cases requiring longer treatment times and higher costs.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Monitoring the health of your gums and visiting a dentist could be the difference between moderate treatment and gum surgery. Signs and symptoms you should look out for and seek a dentist’s advice for include:

• Bleeding gums when you floss or brush your teeth
• Tooth mobility
• Space that has recently formed between the teeth and increases
• Swollen and tender gums
• Receding gumline that makes the teeth look longer
• Pus between the teeth
• Mouth sores
• Continual bad breath
• Changes in how your teeth bite together

The initial, reversible inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can be stopped by an in time treatment, e.g. by a professional tooth cleaning (PTC). Otherwise particularly aggressive bacteria insidiously also engage the periodontal ligaments and spread along the gum pockets towards the dental bone. Periodontitis develops, which leads to bone loss. The chances of recovery depend on how far the jaw bone has already been damaged.

The aim of a periodontal therapy (gum treatment) is to reduce the number of bacteria to a minimum and to stop the infection. Initially, a perfect oral hygiene must be established. By the means of modern dentistry we can gently and painlessly remove the so-called biofilm, which contains the bacteria from the deep periodontal pockets by scaling and root planing. After the surface of the tooth root is cleaned and smoothed, the gums and the bone can regenerate. In some particularly aggressive cases, it may be useful, to determine the bacterial species in addition and to combat them with targeted antibiotics.

By therapy the periodontal disease gets under control and comes to a stop, so that ones own teeth can be maintained for lifetime. Receding gums can be improved by plastic corrections.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are directly behind caries among the most common human diseases. Today, already more teeth are lost through a bone bed disease (periodontal disease) than through decay. Systemic diseases such as inter alia Diabetes increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. In addition smoking increases this risk to more than 20 times!

What many affected do not know: According to several studies, an untreated periodontal disease statistically increases the risk of a heart disease and arterial calcification in twelve times, the prematurity – risk and low birth weight in seven times, heart attack and stroke risk in five times, diabetes, rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases in many times.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are not fatal diseases. Six-monthly professional dental cleaning (PDC) as well as annual check-ups at the dentist, good oral hygiene and a healthy dental diet are the best protection against periodontal disease. Diagnosis and precaution in time at ZZL – your Dental Health Center Lucerne not only ensure that you keep your bright smile, but also protect against disease.

“Prevention and treatment of periodontitis contribute to the health of your mouth and have a positive impact on your general health.”