What Is Periodontitis and How to Treat It?
- by Milena Marguenski
- •
- 10 Nov, 2021
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According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 47.2% of adult Americans aged 30 years and above are suffering from periodontal disease. This percentage further rises with age and reaches 70.1% in the case of people aged 65 or above. When it comes to gender differences periodontitis is more common in men (56.4%) as compared to women (38.4%).
You might be astonished by the facts and wondering what periodontitis is, how can I know I have it, what are its possible treatments, and so on?
Well, let us dig deeper to find answers.
What is Periodontitis?
Causes
Mouth bacteria is mainly responsible for periodontitis. If not removed properly it starts infecting the tissue that surrounds your tooth. This results in inflammation thus leading to severe conditions.
When you allow bacteria to remain on your tooth for a long time, it forms plaque (a form of a film). This plaque takes the form of tartar with time. The tartar spreads below the gum line and results in Gingivitis. If left untreated it leads to a more serious condition, Periodontitis.
Signs & Symptoms
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- The gap between gums and teeth
Treatment
Periodontitis is a severe condition that demands a visit to your dentist. We recommend seeing a trusted oral surgeon in Brooklyn for treatment if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
There are two types of treatments
- Nonsurgical Treatments
- Surgical Treatments
Nonsurgical Treatments
This treatment is preferred when periodontitis is in the beginning phase.
- Scaling: Scaling refers to the removal of tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. This operation is performed using a special instrument, laser, or ultrasonic device.
- Antibiotics: Oral or Topical antibiotics are used for controlling the bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics include mouth rinse, gel, etc. Oral antibiotics are available in the form of capsules or tablets.
- Root Planning: This smooths the root surfaces and removes plaque and tartar that can aid in developing the disease.
Surgical Treatments
This procedure is adopted when the condition becomes severe.
- Bone Grafting: When periodontitis destroys the bone surrounding the tooth root, oral surgeons go with Bone Grafting. The grafts used in this procedure are composed of small fragments of your bone or they can be synthetic or donated. This procedure holds the tooth in place and serves as a platform for the natural regrowth of bone.
- Flap Surgery: Flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery involves lifting back of a section of gum tissue. This is performed by making tiny incisions in your gum. The surgery will expose the roots thus creating conditions for more effective scaling and root planning.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: This surgery is performed to allow the regrowth of a destroyed bone. A special biocompatible fabric is placed between the bone and tooth. This fabric prevents the entry of unwanted tissue into the healing area.
- Tissue-stimulating Proteins: A special gel is applied to the diseased tooth roots. The proteins present in the gel stimulate the growth of healthy tissue and bone.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: This is done for the reinforcement of damaged soft tissue. It prevents gum recession and provides covering to exposed roots.
You must now have a clear understanding of periodontitis. We recommended good oral hygiene to avoid periodontitis. Still, if you notice any signs pay a visit to your oral surgeon in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn residents often wonder whether their tap water is helping or harming their dental health. One key factor in this debate is
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Sudden gum swelling is a dental condition that requires immediate attention, even if there is no pain. Gum health is often overlooked, but it is essential for overall oral well- being. Swollen gums may seem harmless at first, but they often indicate underlying issues that can worsen if left untreated.
Many people think of dental emergencies as situations with severe pain, but it's important to understand that discomfort isn't always a reliable sign of serious problems. Just because there is no pain doesn't mean there is no risk. Sudden gum swelling should be treated as an emergency , emphasizing the need for prompt professional evaluation.
Ignoring swollen gums can lead to more severe complications, affecting both oral health and general wellness. By understanding the seriousness of this condition and
seeking timely intervention, you can prevent further damage and ensure that your gums—and teeth—stay healthy and strong.
A skilled dental team can properly assess and treat any swelling. Prioritize your gum health by taking action when you notice unusual changes, protecting your smile for the future.
It's important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing your teeth regularly , can help prevent conditions like gum swelling. Additionally, if you're interested in improving your smile beyond just addressing gum issues, there are various options available in cosmetic dentistry that you should know about. Finally, if you're looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile, there are effective methods on how to get whiter and brighter teeth at home that you might find helpful.
If you thought that oral health problems are only for adults, then think again. The first teeth start appearing by 4 to 5 months of age. Then by the age of 3, kids have a full set of teeth. This is the time when parents have to be extremely careful about oral hygiene.
By the age of 6-7, the primary teeth start to fall out to make space for the permanent teeth. These permanent teeth are the ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. However, there are certain oral problems such as tooth decay, lip sucking, and early teeth loss.
Let’s take a look at these common oral health problems.
With the procedures’ popularity, several pharmaceutical companies launched their over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This made the procedure more accessible and cheaper as compared to a professional session.
But which one is better? Let’s understand both the procedures first.
