PERIODONTAL DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENTS

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What are Periodontal Diseases?

Periodontal diseases are oral health problems characterized by infections and inflammation that affect the gums and surrounding supporting tissues. These diseases can occur in various forms, from mild forms such as gingivitis to more serious forms such as periodontitis.

Reasons

The main cause of periodontal diseases is that bacterial plaque accumulates on the surface of the teeth and progresses below the gum line over time. Plaque causes inflammation and irritation of the gums along with the accumulation of metabolic products of bacteria. Other causes include genetic predisposition, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, stress and poor eating habits.

Symptoms

  • Gum changes such as redness, swelling, and tenderness
  • Bleeding gums, especially during tooth brushing or flossing
  • Gum recession and formation of gaps between teeth
  • Looseness or displacement of teeth
  • Bad breath or bad taste

Treatment Options

  1. Professional Cleaning: A professional dental cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth.
  2. Surgical Interventions on the Gum: In severe gum diseases, surgical procedures may be required to clean and heal the gum pocket.
  3. Antibiotic Treatment: Antibiotics can be used to fight infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Root Planing: Smoothing and straightening of tooth roots can be done to prevent bacteria from building up again.
  5. Periodontal Surgery: In severe cases, periodontal surgical procedures may be required. These may include gum grafts, bone grafts, and gum pocket reshaping procedures.

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself from periodontal diseases is to establish a regular and effective oral hygiene routine and go to regular dentist check-ups. Additionally, adopting a healthy diet, not smoking, and managing stress can also reduce the risk of periodontal disease.