Periodontal Disease is a disease of infectious origin (bacteria) that affects and destroys the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums and bone). This pathology is quite slow and develops over several decades. The stagnation of bacteria in dental plaque causes an inflammatory reaction on the gums and bone, gradually leading to their destruction over the months and years. It can affect a few teeth, or all of them.
This pathology often begins to set in around the age of 30, with an initially very slow progression. This pathology can be stabilized if the patient has meticulous hygiene on a daily basis, but it cannot be cured. In the event of a decline in hygiene, there may be a relapse.
Bacterial dental plaque (Periodontal Disease)
A thin, invisible film of salivary origin is permanently deposited on the teeth and gums. Periodontal Disease is quickly invaded by bacteria and is then called dental plaque. These microbes adhere to the teeth and to each other, thanks to a sticky substance that they produce from food. Some are responsible for gum disease. Others promote the development of cavities.
Preventive action:
- Brushing teeth and gums morning and evening to break up plaque and prevent Periodontal Disease from developing. The more plaque there is, the more harmful it becomes to teeth and gums.
- Chewing, tongue movements and speaking partially remove plaque.
- Daily use of dental floss to remove food debris and bacteria from the spaces between the teeth
- Go for regular scaling and polishing of teeth.
Depending on the state of health of your gums, your dentist will be able to advise you on additional procedures.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or eating is a symptom of periodontal disease. It is therefore important to pay attention to it because it can have an impact on general health and periodontal disease can worsen over time.
- The absence of bleeding when brushing teeth or eating does not indicate the absence of periodontal disease.
- Receding gums, which make teeth appear longer, are one of the symptoms of periodontal disease.
- Loss, shifting and space creation between teeth are also symptoms of severe periodontal disease.
- Spontaneous tooth loss is a consequence of periodontal disease.
- The presence of any of these symptoms requires a complete periodontal examination by your dentist.
Prevention
Factors influencing the development of periodontal disease:
- tobacco does not cause but aggravates periodontal disease, and disrupts healing during treatment,
- stress,
- Hormonal disorders,
- diabetes,
- Certain hereditary factors can also accentuate periodontal disease.
It is important to detect periodontal disease as early as possible to limit its impact on health and to preserve dental capital.
Health conditions and periodontal diseases
Periodontal disease is interrelated with many general diseases. Periodontal disease complicates the management of blood sugar levels in diabetics, and high blood sugar levels aggravate periodontal disease. The risk of cardiovascular disease is also increased in the presence of untreated it.
Pregnant women should see their dentist early in pregnancy. This is because hormonal changes increase the risk of periodontal disease and worsen pre-existing periodontal disease. In addition, periodontal disease increases the risk of premature birth of a low birth weight baby.
