Periodontitis: What This Gum Disease Is All About
Periodontal disease is a gum disease commonly afflicting people who are middle aged and the young, and is also called periodontitis. This disease is easily noticed as it starts when the gums become reddish and bleeding. The disease is already in its advanced stage when there is purulent secretion coupled with an unpleasant smell coming from the teeth.
Periodontal disease destroys the periodontal structures of the teeth because of changes in the epithelium of the gums. This disease also involves the tissues of the teeth as well as the bones that support them. Because of the reaction of the body to this process where it seeks to prevent the infection from spreading, the changes will eventually lead to loss of the teeth. The reason for this is that when the normal functioning of the teeth becomes defective, there will be stagnation of the tissues that protects the teeth enamel and the epithelial cell layers of the oral cavity. This will result to formation of mineral crystals in the saliva which increases in time. This starts the process of tartar formation which damages the tissues of the tooth. As time goes on, inflammation sets in and periodontal disease develops.
Pathogenic microorganisms in periodontitis see this worsened situation of the teeth and gums and make this an opportunity to grow and multiply. Because of this, the inflammation leads to more serious changes that are damaging to the tissues of the gums. When this occurs, the gum is loosened and the teeth become bare, exposing the roots. Pockets are formed where the tartar is located and the gum tissues expand. The bone membranes of the teeth also starts to thin and this can be seen when an x-ray picture is made. If nothing is done to treat periodontal disease, this will later on result to loss of teeth. But then, we are compensated with this process wherein the gum tissue will heal and close the wound when a tooth is lost.
Periodontitis is bound to happen in an individual because of trauma such as dental caries, presence of tartar, faulty teeth alignment, placing of crowns on tooth, irregular contact between the teeth, and many more. These things can lead to trauma of the periodontium when chewed food is brought together in the spaces between the teeth.
Oral hygiene is still paramount to prevent the occurrence of gum diseases and other diseases of the mouth and teeth. Keep in mind to brush your teeth twice daily, use the proper and high quality toothpaste and toothbrush products, utilize dental floss after brushing the teeth, and visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Tags: periodontal disease, periodontitis, treat periodontal disease