Periodontal Disease
(pyorrhea, bleeding gums)
Periodontal disease or pyorrhea is a localized infection in the tissue surrounding the teeth. It is a long-lasting bacterial (germ) infection that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth. People with diabetes who don't know it or don't take their medications are very likely to have periodontal disease.
Diabetes makes the infection more difficult to control. If diabetes is not treated, the risks of complications are increased. Periodontal diseases (bleeding gums), including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, sometimes painlessly. Periodontal disease can affect one or several teeth.
It begins when the bacteria that live in the plaque (white, yellow or brown in color) that forms on the teeth proliferate in colonies, thus causing the gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is a mild form of the disease, in which the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. In general, it causes little or no discomfort. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene (cleaning the teeth, gums, and mouth).
Fortunately, at Dentis we make gingivitis reversible with professional treatment and by teaching you proper oral hygiene. Untreated gingivitis can worsen and progress to periodontitis. Over time, the plaque progresses and spreads below the gum line. The toxins produced by colonies of plaque bacteria irritate the gums. This produces a long-lasting inflammatory response that can be seen as gum swelling and bleeding and/or pain when brushing or flossing. The tissues and bones that support the teeth can break down and be destroyed. The gums separate from the teeth and form pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that later become infected. As the disease progresses, these pockets enlarge and more and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Generally, this destructive process presents very mild symptoms. Eventually, the teeth become loose and must be extracted.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is dental plaque. The plaque is removed when you have proper oral hygiene. Other factors that affect gum health are:
1. Smoking and tobacco increase the risk of periodontal disease. Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease.
2. Some people are genetically susceptible to gum disease. This means that the traits of this disease are inherited from the parents. Good hygiene and dental care can prevent problems that your parents have already suffered from.
3. The hormonal changes of puberty and pregnancy can affect many of these body tissues, including the gums. The gums can become sensitive and at times react intensely. This makes you more susceptible to gum disease. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have preterm labor and low birth weight babies.
4. Stress is a risk factor in periodontal disease. Research has shown that stress can make it harder for the body to fight infections, including periodontal disease.
5. Diabetes is a disease that alters blood glucose levels. Diabetes develops either from a failure to produce insulin (the hormone that is the key component in the body's ability to use glucose from the blood) or from the body's inability to use glucose properly. If you are diabetic, you are at increased risk for infections, including periodontal disease. These infections make blood glucose levels more difficult to control.
6. Clenching or grinding your teeth adds extra force to the tissues that support the teeth and this can speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
7. Poor nutrition can make gum disease worse.
8. Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system can worsen gum disease. Some examples are HIV and people who have received a transplant and who take medicines to prevent rejection.
The different stages of periodontal disease.
1. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. This makes the gums red, swollen, and bleed easily. Generally at this stage there is little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and correct oral hygiene.
2. Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who do not have other clinical disorders. Common features include rapid loss of adhesion, bone destruction, and it occurs in entire families if the family is genetically prone to this disease.
3. Chronic periodontitis is a form of chronic disease that produces inflammation in the tissues that support the teeth, a progressive loss of adhesion and bone loss, and is characterized by pocket formation and/or gingival receding (of the gums). ). It is recognized as the most frequent form of periodontitis. It is more common in adults, but it can occur at any age. Loss of adhesion usually occurs slowly, but there may be periods of rapid progression. Periodontitis can be observed at an early age, associated with one of many systemic diseases, such as diabetes.
4. Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection in which the gingival tissues, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bones are destroyed. It is seen more often in people living with HIV, in cases of malnutrition (poor diet) and immunosuppression (the immune system does not work well).
Treatment
In Dentis we have the Periodontics Specialist Dentist, so you can know which is the best treatment for you and decide the best course of action. We will also help you by teaching you correct oral hygiene (brushing your teeth and the correct use of dental floss).