Periodontal tissue diseases are diseases that affect the gums and other periodontal tissues. 70 percent of the causes of tooth loss in adults are due to diseases of the periodontal tissues, but when these diseases are diagnosed and treated at an early stage, they have a high success rate. This treatment ensures the preservation of teeth and ensures effective chewing and digestion. Periodontal diseases begin with gingivitis, meaning gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. During this period, the gums are bleeding, red and enlarged. In the early period, it may not cause much discomfort, except for bad breath. If left untreated, the disease may progress and cause inflammation of the periodontal tissues, causing irreversible damage to the gingiva and alveolar bone that supports the teeth.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage in periodontal diseases. Damage occurs in the alveolar bone along with other tissues that support the teeth. A “periodontal pocket”, a space where bacteria can easily settle, forms between the tooth and gingiva. The presence of periodontal pocket facilitates the localization of the infection and the progression of the disease. As the disease progresses, there are losses in the supporting tissues and the teeth begin to swing, and as a result, the teeth may need to be extracted.
What are the symptoms of gingival diseases?
There are many symptoms of gingival diseases;Bleeding gums when brushing teethRed, swollen and sensitive gumsweak attachment of the gums to the teethinflammation from between the teethloosening and movement of the teeth (formation of gaps between teeth or increasing existing gaps)Persistent bad breathHowever, periodontal disease can reach advanced stages without showing any symptoms. For this reason, it is extremely important to visit the dentist regularly.What is the cause of a gingival disease?
The most important cause of gum disease is “dental plaque,” which is a transparent layer that sticks to the surfaces of the teeth and is full of bacteria. Removing this layer by brushing teeth and dental floss is the most important factor in establishing good oral health. If this layer is not removed sufficiently from the mouth, it turns over time into harder calcifications and deposits called “tartar.” This tartar, in turn, facilitates and increases Accumulation of food waste.The bacteria present in tartar secrete harmful substances that are the cause of gum diseases. These secretions affect the fibers that connect the teeth and gums and cause the gums to move away from the tooth and form a “gingival pocket.” With the formation of the gum pocket, it becomes easier for food waste and bacteria to accumulate inside it. . As the disease progresses, the depth of the pocket increases, and thus the germs reach deeper areas and become closer to the bone surrounding the tooth, and then destruction begins in this bone, and if not treated, alveolar bone resorption continues, the tooth begins to move, and the tooth ends up being extracted.Oral Care
Bacterial plaque is a colorless accumulation of bacteria that constantly forms on the tooth surface. The buildup of bacterial plaque can cause stains to become stuck on the teeth and is a primary factor in gingival problems. Bacterial plaque begins to form 4 to 12 hours after brushing the teeth, therefore brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily is very important.
Tartar (calcified deposits on the surfaces of the teeth) is an accumulation that traps bacteria inside and leads to the formation of stains and discoloration in the teeth. It is attached to the surface of the tooth in a very strong way, making it difficult to clean it with regular brushing, and it is necessary to visit the dentist. The amount of tartar, its composition, and the nature of the germs inside it vary from one person to another, and tartar formation usually becomes faster with age.