What is periodontology?
Periodontology deals with diseases of the periodontium. In other words, all the tissues that hold our teeth in place. This includes the bone, the gums and the fibers that hold the tooth to the bone.
Periodontitis vs. periodontal disease: is there a difference?
Periodontitis and periodontal disease are often used interchangeably, as both terms refer to similar symptoms and complaints. However, there is actually a difference between the two terms. While periodontitis refers to a recession of the periodontium caused by non-bacterial factors, periodontitis is caused by bacterial factors that lead to inflammation of the periodontium.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums. It is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth, which leads to irritation and inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Gingivitis can be prevented through proper oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to the dentist.
What is pregnancy gingivitis?
Pregnancy gingivitis is a form of gum disease that can occur during pregnancy. It is caused by an increase in hormones, which can make the gums more sensitive and susceptible to infection. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jaw bones.
It is important that you see a dentist if you are pregnant and have gum problems, as untreated gum disease can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of premature birth or low birth weight babies. Gum disease is also associated with other health problems in pregnant women, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
To prevent gingivitis during pregnancy, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, i.e. brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist regularly. If you are pregnant and suffer from gum problems, a dentist can treat you and show you how to take care of your teeth and gums at home.
What is periodontitis?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It occurs when bacteria in plaque (a sticky film that forms on the teeth) produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to recede from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. This can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen or sensitive gums, bleeding when brushing and bad breath. To prevent gum disease, it is important to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist regularly.
Causes of periodontitis
The main cause of periodontitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and gum line. If this plaque is not removed, it can harden and lead to tartar. These deposits provide ideal conditions for the growth of harmful bacteria, which can attack the gums and jawbone and eventually lead to periodontitis.
Plaque and bacteria
Plaque is a soft, sticky coating that forms continuously on the tooth surface and consists of food debris, saliva and bacteria. Bacteria in the plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel and can cause tooth decay. If the plaque is not removed, it can spread along the gum line and cause an inflammation known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the periodontium and lead to periodontitis.
Causes of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is caused by non-bacterial factors that affect the periodontium, which consists of the gums, jawbone and dental fibers. The main causes of periodontal disease include mechanical stimuli such as misaligned teeth, bruxism (teeth grinding), incorrect bite position or inadequate dentures. These factors can lead to excessive stress on the periodontium, which in turn leads to inflammation and damage known as periodontitis. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help to reduce the negative effects of such factors and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
Symptoms and signs of periodontitis / periodontosis
It is important to recognize the symptoms and signs of periodontitis or periodontal disease early in order to initiate appropriate treatment in good time and keep the condition under control.
How long does periodontitis treatment take?
The duration of periodontitis treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease and individual factors. Successful treatment usually requires several sessions at the dentist and consistent aftercare.
Early detection: what should you look out for?
There are some common symptoms and signs that may indicate periodontitis or periodontal disease. These include:
- Bleeding gums: The gums bleed when brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or reddened gums: The gums are sensitive, swollen or discolored.
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth: This may be due to the presence of bacteria and plaque.
- Gum recession: The gums recede from the teeth and make the teeth appear longer.
- Tooth loosening: The teeth begin to loosen or change their position in the mouth.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should definitely visit a dentist for a thorough examination and, if necessary, periodontitis treatment.
The stages of periodontitis and duration of treatment
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the periodontitis, which is divided into different stages: Gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis. The treatment of gingivitis and mild periodontitis can usually be completed within a few weeks, while the treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis can take several months or even years.
The different stages of periodontitis:
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed.
Mild periodontitis
At this stage, the gums can recede from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. The bones and connective tissue that support the teeth can also be damaged.
Moderate periodontitis
At this stage, the pockets between the gums and teeth deepen and more bone and connective tissue is destroyed. The teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Severe periodontitis
This is the most advanced stage of periodontitis, in which the gums, bone and connective tissue are severely damaged. The teeth can be lost and the remaining teeth are at risk of falling out.
Factors that influence the duration of treatment
Some factors can influence the duration of periodontitis treatment. These include
- The severity of the disease: The more advanced the periodontitis, the longer the treatment usually takes.
- Response to treatment: Everyone responds differently to treatment. Some people respond more quickly to treatment, while others may need more time.
- The patient's compliance: The patient's willingness to follow the dentist's instructions and pay attention to oral hygiene is crucial to the success of the treatment.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis can be successfully treated in most cases, especially if it is detected and treated early. However, it is important to understand that periodontitis is a chronic disease that requires lifelong care and monitoring to prevent relapse and further damage to the periodontium.
Long-term prognosis and treatment success
The long-term prognosis for periodontitis and periodontal disease patients depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the patient's overall health and adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices. With consistent dental care and good oral hygiene, most people with periodontitis can maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
Regenerative periodontitis treatment
Regenerative periodontitis treatments focus on restoring lost bone and tissue in the periodontium. These include procedures such as bone and tissue grafting, growth factors and membrane techniques. These treatments can help to improve the structure and function of the periodontium and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Surgical periodontitis procedures
In advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical treatment may be necessary to stabilize the periodontium and reduce the risk of tooth loss. Surgical periodontitis treatments may include the following:
- Gum grafting: In cases of gum recession, healthy tissue can be taken from another part of the mouth and attached to the affected areas to rebuild the gums.
- Bone grafting: In cases of bone loss, bone material, either from the patient himself or from a donor, can be transplanted into the affected area to strengthen and stabilize the jawbone.
- Pocket reduction: In the case of deep gum pockets, a surgical procedure can be performed to tighten the gums and reduce the depth of the pockets.
- Regenerative procedures: Biocompatible materials or growth factors are used to promote the growth of bone and tissue.
Preventing periodontitis: tips for healthy gums
Preventing periodontal disease is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and good oral health. There are several factors that play an important role in the prevention of periodontal disease:
The role of dental care
To prevent periodontal disease, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Daily use of dental floss to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce plaque.
Regular visits to the dentist
Regular visits to the dentist enable early detection of periodontal disease and other dental problems. Dentists can perform professional dental cleanings to remove stubborn tartar and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. They can also make recommendations to improve oral hygiene and treat misaligned teeth or bruxism, which can contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
Smoking and periodontal disease
Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for periodontal disease. Tobacco smoke leads to reduced blood flow to the gums, which increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to prevent periodontal disease and improve overall oral health. Smokers should seek support to quit smoking and inform their dentist about possible strategies to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
Nutrition and periodontal disease
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease. A healthy diet should be rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important. Foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates should be avoided as they can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and increase the risk of gingivitis.
Periodontal disease and systemic health
Periodontal disease can not only affect oral health, but also have an impact on general health. A growing number of studies show links between periodontal disease and various systemic diseases.
Links between periodontal disease and other diseases?
Periodontal disease can have an impact on your overall health. Studies have shown that people with gum disease have a higher risk of developing certain health problems, including:
- Heart disease: Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease because it causes inflammation in the body. This inflammation can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory diseases: Gum disease can increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, as it allows bacteria to enter the lungs.
- Osteoporosis: Gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which in turn can lead to osteoporosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Some studies suggest that people with gum disease are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to prevent gum disease and protect your overall health.
Summary periodontitis / periodontosis
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can affect both oral health and general health. Good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of periodontal disease and maintain oral health. Early detection and professional treatment are crucial to stop the progression of periodontal disease and avoid long-term complications. You can find more useful information on gum disease here.