Periodontics (Gum Diseases)
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats diseases of the soft and hard tissues surrounding the teeth. Treatment includes gum recession, gingivitis, gum enlargement, tartar removal, and early and late-stage periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
First of all, it's important to note that healthy gums are pale pink. They are firmly attached to the teeth and bone, giving them a shiny, rough appearance similar to an orange peel. However, if:
Your gums are bleeding,
Your gums are swollen and red,
Your gums are receding and the exposed root surfaces are sensitive,
Your black areas caused by tartar are visible at the gum margin or between the teeth,
Your inflammation is coming from between the tooth and the gum,
Your teeth are loose, elongated, or gaping,
You experience a foul odor or taste sensation in your mouth, and you should see a dentist immediately and begin treatment.
What are the factors that cause gum disease?
While bacterial plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, other factors can also affect the health of your gums.
Uncontrolled diets and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and weaken the body's resistance to infections. Any gum infection that develops during this period will also prolong the treatment period.
In addition to stress, AIDS and cancer can also contribute to the development of gum disease because they affect the body's immune system.
Another patient profile vulnerable to gum disease is tobacco users. Tobacco and tobacco products irritate the gums and cause deterioration in gum density, facilitating the development of infection in the irritated areas.
Diabetes are the most difficult patient group to manage gum disease. They are the most likely to develop gum disease.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause gums to become redder and more susceptible to bacterial plaque. Hormonal changes during menopause and menstruation can also cause gum sensitivity, making them more susceptible to gum disease.
Those who clench or grind their teeth are also at risk. They reduce the force between the teeth and gums, leading to periodontal tissue destruction. Night guards are necessary to prevent this clenching.
Medications can also cause gum disease. Birth control pills, antidepressants, and some heart medications can affect your oral health.
How can we protect ourselves from gum disease?
To protect our teeth and gums, we must brush our teeth regularly every day, floss to remove food particles from between our teeth, and use mouthwash to remove bacteria from our mouths.
Because daily brushing and flossing alone cannot completely prevent tartar buildup, periodic dental checkups are essential.
Scaling performed by a dentist prevents gum infections by removing hardened tartar from areas you cannot clean with a toothbrush or floss.
Who Performs Periodontal Treatments?
All dentists can diagnose and treat periodontal disease at an early stage. Some dentists have the additional knowledge and experience to treat advanced periodontal disease and specialize in this area. Dentists with this expertise are called periodontists. If necessary, a dentist believes that the condition requires specialist treatment and may refer the patient to a periodontist. Along with treating periodontal disease, regular brushing and regular dental visits can help maintain healthy teeth throughout life.
What is Gum Disease? The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease is essentially an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This condition generally progresses in two stages:
1. Gingivitis: Reversible Stage with Early Diagnosis
It all starts with bacterial plaque, a sticky film containing millions of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. When left untreated, this plaque leads to inflammation of the gums. This first stage is called gingivitis.
Symptoms:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
Red, swollen and tender gums.
It is usually painless, so it can be easily overlooked.
The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with proper oral care and professional tartar removal. Intervention at this stage is the easiest way to prevent serious problems down the road.
2. Periodontitis: The Serious and Destructive Stage
Untreated gingivitis progresses over time to periodontitis. At this stage, inflammation spreads to the tissues beneath the gums and the fibers that connect the teeth to the jawbone. The body's response to this chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
Symptoms:
Constant bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
Receding gums from teeth (making teeth appear longer).
The formation of spaces called "pockets" between the teeth and gums.
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
Loosening or displacement of teeth.
Pain during chewing.
Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and unfortunately, the bone destruction it causes is irreversible. However, with modern treatment methods, its progression can be halted and controlled.
Symptoms of gum disease
First, it's important to note that healthy gums are pale pink. They are firmly attached to the teeth and bone, and have a shiny, rough appearance similar to an orange peel. However:
If there is bleeding in the gums,
If swelling and redness are seen in the gums,
If there is gum recession and sensitivity on the exposed root surfaces,
If black areas are seen at the edge of the gums or between the teeth due to dental tartar,
If there is inflammation between the tooth and the gum,
If there is loosening, lengthening and gaps between the teeth,
If you have a bad smell or taste in your mouth, you should see a dentist and start your treatment without delay.
What are the factors that cause gum disease?
While bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, other factors can also affect the health of your gums.
Uncontrolled diets and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and weaken the body's resistance to infection. Any gum infection that develops during this period will also prolong the treatment period.
In addition to stress, AIDS and cancer can also affect the body's immune system and cause gum disease.
Another patient profile at risk for gum disease is tobacco users. Tobacco and tobacco products irritate the gums and cause deterioration in gum density, making it easier for infections to develop in irritated areas.
Diabetics are the most difficult patient group to control gum disease. They are the most likely to develop gum disease.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause gums to become redder and more susceptible to bacterial plaque. Hormonal changes during menopause and menstruation can also cause gum sensitivity, making you more susceptible to gum disease.
Those who clench or grind their teeth are at risk. These problems reduce the force between the teeth and gums, leading to periodontal tissue destruction. Night guards are necessary to stop this clenching.
Medications can also cause gum disease. Birth control pills, antidepressants, and some heart medications can affect your oral health.
How can we protect ourselves from gum diseases?
What needs to be done to protect teeth and gums is to brush your teeth regularly every day, clean food debris between your teeth using dental floss, and remove bacteria from your mouth by using mouthwash.
Daily routine care with brushing and flossing cannot completely prevent tartar formation, making regular dental checkups necessary.
Tartar cleaning performed by a dentist prevents gum infections by removing hardened tartar from areas that you cannot clean with a toothbrush or dental floss.
Who Performs Periodontal Treatments?
All dentists can diagnose and treat periodontal disease at an early stage. Some dentists have the additional knowledge and experience to treat advanced periodontal disease and specialize in this area. Dentists with this expertise are called periodontists. If necessary, the dentist believes the condition requires specialist treatment and may refer the patient to a periodontist. Along with treating periodontal disease, regular brushing and regular dental visits can help maintain healthy teeth throughout life.
How can we protect ourselves from gum diseases?
What needs to be done to protect teeth and gums is to brush your teeth regularly every day, clean food debris between your teeth using dental floss, and remove bacteria from your mouth by using mouthwash.
Daily routine care with brushing and flossing cannot completely prevent tartar formation, making regular dental checkups necessary.
Tartar cleaning performed by a dentist prevents gum infections by removing hardened tartar from areas that you cannot clean with a toothbrush or dental floss.
Who Performs Periodontal Treatments?
All dentists can diagnose and treat periodontal disease at an early stage. Some dentists have the additional knowledge and experience to treat advanced periodontal disease and specialize in this area. Dentists with this expertise are called periodontists. If necessary, the dentist believes the condition requires specialist treatment and may refer the patient to a periodontist. Along with treating periodontal disease, regular brushing and regular dental visits can help maintain healthy teeth throughout life.
What is Gum Disease? The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease is essentially an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This condition generally progresses in two stages:
1. Gingivitis: Reversible Stage with Early Diagnosis
It all starts with bacterial plaque, a sticky film containing millions of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. When left untreated, this plaque leads to inflammation of the gums. This first stage is called gingivitis.
Symptoms:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
Red, swollen and tender gums.
It is usually painless, so it can be easily overlooked.
The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with proper oral care and professional tartar removal. Intervention at this stage is the easiest way to prevent serious problems down the road.
2. Periodontitis: The Serious and Destructive Stage
Untreated gingivitis progresses over time to periodontitis. At this stage, inflammation spreads to the tissues beneath the gums and the fibers that connect the teeth to the jawbone. The body's response to this chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
Symptoms:
Constant bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
Receding gums from teeth (making teeth appear longer).
The formation of spaces called "pockets" between the teeth and gums.
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
Loosening or displacement of teeth.
Pain during chewing.
Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and unfortunately, the bone destruction it causes is irreversible. However, with modern treatment methods, its progression can be halted and controlled.
How Trouble in Your Mouth Affects Your Entire Body: The Surprising Connection to Systemic Diseases
The most alarming aspect of gum disease is that its effects aren't limited to the mouth. Inflamed gums act as a gateway for harmful bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers a chronic inflammatory process throughout the body, increasing the risk of or worsening many systemic diseases.
Here are some important health problems that are directly related to gum disease:
Cardiovascular Disease: Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and settle in the arteries, leading to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Research shows that people with periodontitis have a two to three times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
Diabetes: This relationship is a two-way street. People with diabetes are at increased risk for gum disease because they are more susceptible to infections. Severe periodontitis also negatively impacts the course of diabetes by making it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Gum treatment can facilitate diabetes management.
Respiratory Diseases: Bacteria in the mouth can reach the lungs through breathing, causing pneumonia or exacerbating existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with periodontitis have an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. Inflammation in the mouth is thought to cause the release of chemicals that can trigger labor.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Both diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation. Gum disease can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis and make it more difficult to treat.
Neurological Diseases (Alzheimer's, etc.): New studies show that the bacteria that cause chronic gum disease are found in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. This is strong evidence that oral health may also be linked to brain health.
Q: Is it normal for my gums to bleed? They only bleed when I brush. A: No, it's not normal. Healthy gums don't bleed. Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or spontaneously is the earliest and most common sign of gum disease (gingivitis). This indicates an infection in the area and should be evaluated by a dentist.
Q: What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis? A: Gingivitis is the early and reversible stage of gum disease. It affects only the gums, causing swelling, redness, and bleeding. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is the more advanced form of the disease. The infection doesn't just confine itself to the gums; it also spreads to the jawbone (alveolar bone) that supports the teeth. It causes irreversible bone destruction, gum recession, and the loss of loose teeth.
Q: Is bad breath related to gum disease? A: Yes, it is. The bacteria that cause gum disease accumulate in the gum pockets and produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds. Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away despite brushing is usually a sign of gum disease or advanced cavities.
Q: Are scaling (scaling) and curettage (deep cleaning) the same thing? A: No, they are different procedures. Scaling (scaling) is the removal of plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of teeth and the gum line. It is generally a preventative treatment. Curettage (root planing), on the other hand, is a more advanced treatment used to remove infected tissue from deep "pockets" that have grown beneath the gums and into the bone, as well as tartar from the surface of the tooth root when gum disease (periodontitis) occurs.
Q: Are periodontal treatments (curettage) painful? A: No. All periodontal treatments (curettage, gum surgery, etc.) are performed after the area to be treated is completely numbed with local anesthesia. Our patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Any mild sensitivity that may occur after the procedure can be easily controlled with simple painkillers.
Q: What happens if gum disease is left untreated? A: Untreated gum disease (periodontitis) is progressive. The infection continues to erode the jawbone, gums recede, teeth become loose, and eventually, even healthy teeth may need to be extracted. Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that this chronic infection in the mouth can spread into the bloodstream, triggering or complicating diabetes, heart disease, and some rheumatic diseases.
Q: Is there a treatment for gum recession? A: Yes. First, the underlying cause of gum recession (disease, improper brushing, or clenching) is addressed. If the recession is causing an aesthetic problem, causing excessive tooth sensitivity, or tends to progress, surgical procedures called "gum grafts" (or artificial tissues taken from the palate) can successfully cover the exposed root surfaces.
Q: Can periodontitis (bone loss) be completely cured? A: Periodontitis is a chronic (ongoing) disease, like hypertension or diabetes. The goal of treatment is to halt the disease and maintain the current condition, rather than to restore lost bone (which is only possible in certain cases). Treatment controls infection, reduces pocket depths, and halts bone destruction. However, to maintain this control, patients must visit a specialist regularly every 3-6 months.