Periodontitis

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Periodontitis is the inflammatory destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone of human. This is almost universal in its occurrence affecting 95% of the population and is ultimately related to plaque and pocket formation. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.

Why and How Does Periodontitis Occurs?

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is untreated or treatment is delayed.

But ongoing inflammation eventually Causes pockets to develop between your gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria. In time, these pockets become deeper and more bacteria accumulate, eventually advancing under your gum tissue. These deep infections cause a loss of tissue and bone. If too much bone is destroyed, you may lose one or more teeth.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of gingivitis or, periodontal disease. For details, please read- Periodontal Disease

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis?

• Bad Breath
• Swollen gums
• Shiny gums
• Bright red or red-purple gums
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Gums those are normally painless but tender when touched.
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Developing of new spaces developing between teeth

When to make an appointment with dentist?

Visit a dentist it you have any signs and symptoms of periodontitis, especially following conditions:

• Gums that are swollen, sore, dusky red and bleed easily
• Bad smelling breath or a bad taste develops in the mouth.
• Painful teeth and gums.
• Loose teeth or gum recession

Keep in mind that, periodontal disease become worse with time. It may lead to serious complications, if you don’t go to a dentist in time. So, if you have any doubt, seek to a dentist immediately.

How can Periodontitis be Diagnosed?

Dentist will listen to your symptoms, examine your mouth and teeth and look for plaque and plaque and calculus buildup. He will also check for soft, swollen, red-purple bleeding gums. There may be deposits of plaque and calculus at the base of the teeth, with enlarged pockets in the gums. A metal probe may be used by him to measure the depth of the pocket between the teeth and the gums. It help determine the severity of your periodontitis.

He may suggest you to perform a Dental x-rays that is useful to evaluate the teeth, the bones supporting the teeth, and other mouth structures.

What can happen if Periodontitis left untreated?

Serious complications may occurs, if Periodontitis left untreated, even it can be life-threatening. Complications of Periodontitis are-

• Tooth loss
• Facial cellulites- infection or abscess of the soft tissue
• Osteomyelitis- infection of the jaw bones
• Return of periodontitis
• Tooth abscess
• Tooth flaring or shifting
• Trench mouth
• There is a possibility of developing several MedicalProblems such as-
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus
• Respiratory problems
• Low birth weight babies

What is the way of Periodontitis Prevention?

• Maintain a good oral hygiene. See- Oral Hygiene
• Periodontitis will not occur suddenly. I mentioned above that, first you will get gingivitis and gingivitis is not treated, it may lead to periodontitis. So, you should visit a dentist regularly, detect gingivitis early as possible and treat the gingivitis. It reduces the risk of development of periodontitis. See - Gingivitis.