Periodontal disease and the science of gum health

1. What is periodontics?

Periodontics are the tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the periodontal tissues, causing damage and destruction of the structures that support the teeth.

2. Overview of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases, affecting approximately 20-50% of the global population. It is a chronic bacterial inflammatory disease that begins with gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis if not treated promptly. Periodontal disease not only affects oral health but is also closely related to many systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other systemic diseases.

3. Classification of periodontal disease

According to the latest classification of the World Conference on Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases in 2017, periodontal diseases are divided into the following main groups:

3.1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease, characterized by swollen, red, and bleeding gums. This condition is reversible if treated promptly.

3.2. Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontal disease, progressing slowly and destroying the tissues that support the teeth over time.

3.3. Acute periodontitis

Acute periodontitis progresses rapidly, causes rapid tissue damage, and often occurs in young people.

3.4. Periodontal disease as a manifestation of systemic disease

Certain systemic diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS can cause or aggravate periodontitis.

3.5. Necrotic periodontal disease

Characterized by gingival necrosis, bleeding, and pain. Often associated with immunodeficiency.

3.6. Periodontal abscess

Is a localized infection that causes pain and swelling.

3.7. Periodontitis combined with endodontic lesions

Occurs when there is communication between the periodontal tissue and the dental pulp.

3.8. Developmental or acquired malformations and diseases

Includes congenital or acquired periodontal structural abnormalities.

3.9. Diseases and conditions around implants

Includes peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

4. Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in dental plaque. However, there are many other risk factors that contribute to the development and progression of the disease, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Hereditary
• Some drugs
• Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy)
• Systemic disease

5. Symptoms of periodontal disease

Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Swollen, red gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing teeth or eating
• Bad breath
• loose teeth
• Gum recession
• Change in bite
• Pain when chewing.

6. Subjects at risk of periodontal disease

People at high risk for periodontal disease include:

• People over 30 years old
• Smoker
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic stress
• People with a family history of periodontal disease
• People taking certain medications (such as anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers)
• Women who are pregnant or in menopause.

7. Measures to diagnose periodontal disease

Diagnosing periodontal disease usually involves the following steps:

• Medical history assessment
• Clinical examination: gingival examination, periodontal pocket depth measurement, clinical attachment loss assessment
• X-rays to assess alveolar bone loss
• In some cases, microbiological testing may be needed to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.

8. Periodontal disease treatments

8.1. Emergency treatment

Used in cases of acute pain or periodontal abscess, including drainage of pus and prescription of antibiotics if necessary.

8.2. Non-surgical treatment

• Scaling and smoothing of tooth root surfaces
• Use of topical or systemic antibiotics
• Oral hygiene instructions.

8.3. Surgical treatment

• Periodontal flap surgery
• Bone grafting
• Guided tissue regeneration
• In some cases, lasers may be used to aid in treatment.

8.4. Maintenance treatment

Includes regular check-ups, scaling, and oral hygiene instructions to prevent recurrence.

9. Preventing periodontal disease

Measures to prevent periodontal disease include:

• Clean your teeth properly and regularly
• Dental check-up every 6 months
• No smoking
• Good blood sugar control in diabetics
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and calcium
• Manage stress effectively.

Periodontal disease is an important aspect of dental care that focuses on the health of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. Gum disease is a common oral health problem that can cause symptoms ranging from mild inflammation and bleeding to severe damage to the teeth and gums.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are concerned about your oral health, you should see Sakura doctors soon. Gum disease can be prevented and effectively treated with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits.