Symptoms and Signs of Periodontal Disease
Symptoms and Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as periodontitis and gum disease, is a chronic disorder that is the main reason for adult tooth loss in the developed world. When the toxins in plaque start to irritate or inflame the gingiva (gum tissue), periodontal disease starts to develop. The ensuing bacterial infection, commonly referred to as gingivitis, can ultimately result in the deterioration of the bone beneath the gums and the gum tissue. In addition to causing loose teeth or tooth loss if periodontal disease is not treated, it can also do so.There are numerous prevalent forms of periodontal disease, including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing, and systemic illness-associated periodontitis. All of these types of periodontal disease have specific signs and symptoms that must be addressed right away by a dentist in order to prevent further bone and tissue loss.
Common Symptoms and Signs
It is crucial to remember that periodontal disease can advance without showing any symptoms, such as tooth pain. This is why routine dental examinations are crucial. Some of the most typical periodontitis warning signs and symptoms are listed here.
The opinion of a general dentist or periodontist should be sought as soon as possible if you experience any of these indicators or symptoms:
Unexpected bleeding: One of the most typical signs of a periodontal infection is bleeding while eating, flossing, or brushing your teeth. Plaque's toxin-induced bacterial infection renders the tissues more susceptible to bleeding.When the gums become sore, red, or swollen without apparent cause, a periodontal infection may be present.
Stopping the infection's spread before the gum tissue and jaw bone are harmed is crucial. Additionally, it is essential to treat the infection before it spreads to other parts of the body via the bloodstream.
Longer-appearing teeth: gum recession brought on by periodontal disease
The poisons that bacteria create can damage the bones and supporting tissue, making the teeth appear longer and the grin more "toothy."Although breath odour might come from the back of the tongue, the lungs, the stomach, the food we eat, or from tobacco smoking, foul breath can also be brought on by old food particles that are lodged between the teeth and below the gum line. The deeper gum pockets can hold more debris and bacteria, which produces an unpleasant odour.
Changes in the biting pattern or loose teeth are indicators of rapidly advancing periodontitis. The teeth in the affected area may also be loosening or shifting. Teeth that were once firmly linked to the jawbone become loose or may shift in position as the bone structure is damaged.A periodontal infection is definitely present when pus is leaking from between the teeth. The body's attempt to combat the bacterial illness is evident in the pus.
Periodontal disease treatment
Stopping the spread of periodontal disease is essential to preventing further harm to the jawbone and gum tissues. To determine the disease's progression, the dentist will first evaluate the entire mouth. Once the cause of the bacterial infection has been identified, the dentist may decide to treat it surgically, nonsurgically, or both.
Scaling and root planing, a technique, are used to fully remove any debris from the pockets (under the gumline) of the teeth in cases of mild periodontal disease. Antibiotics may be injected into the pockets to speed up healing and eradicate any bacteria that may still be present.
There are numerous treatments to treat severe periodontitis, including:The size of the pockets between the teeth and gums may be reduced with laser therapy.The dentist may decide to graft new tissue by introducing a membrane to encourage tissue growth when a significant quantity of bone or gum tissue has been lost.
Surgery to eliminate gum pockets: The dentist may decide to undertake "flap surgery" to slash the depth of the pockets.