Periodontal disease affects the gum. It is characterized by a destruction of the tissues that support the teeth: the gum, the bone, etc. Even if oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist allow you to have healthy gum, no one is immune to gum disease.
Avoiding gum disease
Here are some simple tips for preventing dental tissue disease:
- Perform preventive cleaning follow-ups (at least once a year)
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Practice healthy eating habits
- Avoid smoking, as tobacco is a major contributor to oral disease
Most common periodontal diseases
Gingivitis (gum disease)
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum caused by plaque (bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) that accumulate on the teeth. This disease is reversible with good oral care at home and preventive follow-ups in the dental office.
Here are the signs and symptoms that can be observed with gingivitis:
- Gum is redder, smoother and swollen
- Gum can be painful or not, it bleeds easily or spontaneously during home maintenance (brushing, flossing)
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth, including the supporting bone of the tooth. This disease is caused by plaque (bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) that accumulate over a long period of time on the teeth and under the gum, causing the destruction of the bone around the tooth.
In advanced stages of the disease, the amount of bone loss around the tooth is so great that the teeth become loose and may fall out. This is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. As people get older, the risk increases.
This disease is irreversible because the lost bone cannot regenerate. However, there are treatments to treat periodontitis. To detect the disease early and intervene, regular preventive oral check-ups are essential.
Signs and symptoms that can be observed with periodontitis:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Tooth loosening (sagging of the gum around the tooth)
- Tooth mobility
If you think you have periodontal disease, book an appointment with a professional at Lapointe Dental Centres today.
The following videos explain the steps leading to gingivitis and periodontitis and their treatment.
Dental plaque
When not cleaned regularly, plaque build-up can lead to periodontitis or gingivitis.
Bleeding gum
Bleeding gum are often the result of gingivitis.
Periodontal treatments
Scaling is one of the main periodontal treatments, as explained in the video.
Periodontal flap approach
In cases of aggressive periodontitis, a periodontal flap procedure can be considered.
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