Good gum health is just as important as dental health. This is especially acute when tooth mobility appears . So, you need to know what periodontal disease is: the symptoms and treatment of this disease, its consequences, severity and methods of prevention.
Essence
Periodontium is the tissue surrounding the tooth and holding it in place. It consists of several layers, one of which is the alveolar processes - parts of the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is a systemic lesion of the peridental tissue complex. It is not isolated, it is always a generalized disease that affects the entire oral cavity at once. And although it does not occur very often, the main danger is that it proceeds almost imperceptibly, so that treatment begins very late. In addition, pathogens can begin to develop in the voids resulting from tissue atrophy, which further complicates the life of patients.
Confusion
There is another similar disease in name, which is much more common. This is periodontitis and affects up to 95% of the adult population. As a rule, it is much more aggressive and dangerous than dental periodontal disease, which occurs only in about 2-8% of people and can be asymptomatic for quite some time. However, it is treated much faster and easier.
Both diseases have a number of serious differences between themselves, so in order to avoid further confusion in this article we will focus on periodontal disease as a systemic ailment. By the way, often even doctors mistakenly make this diagnosis instead of treating periodontitis. In fact, the latter disease is more characteristic of older people.
But there is another view, according to which all diseases affecting the teeth, are classified as periodontitis. In this case, they can be considered acute and chronic, as well as inflammatory and non-inflammatory. But in any case, periodontal disease should not be treated at home. And now it will become clear why.
Causes
It is not clear to the end why periodontal disease of teeth occurs. Among the risk factors there are such as heredity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, atherosclerosis. Sometimes they talk about its connection with diabetes, malfunctions of the thyroid gland and cardiovascular diseases. But it is well known that oral hygiene has virtually no effect on the likelihood of gum periodontal disease or not.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The main difficulty is to identify the problem at the very beginning. The fact is that during the course of this disease most often a person simply does not see the need to seek medical help, because he does not know that he has periodontal disease. Symptoms and treatment, which are so widely reported in the media, such as bleeding gums and loosening of teeth, as well as the recommended special toothpastes and astringent mouthwashes, are just characteristic of periodontitis - a simple inflammation that can be cured in a couple of weeks.
And while there is a slow atrophy of the tissues surrounding the tooth, the patient does not bother at all. Sensitivity to irritants may increase, but otherwise everything will be as always. No blood, loosening, gingival pockets, swelling and pain - all this appears later, and in the early stages, the absence of these signs seriously complicates the diagnosis, since there are no complaints.
However, planned visits to the dentist once every six months can reduce the likelihood that the disease will remain untreated to the most severe stages. And then already there will be a huge number of complaints, because for young people the inability to eat solid food without fear of leaving a tooth in an apple is psychologically very unpleasant.
Firstly, the dentist can see enamel defects characteristic of periodontal disease, which are very common. This will already allow to suspect something was wrong, especially in combination with exposure of the necks of the teeth.
And secondly, an ordinary x-ray image can serve as an additional diagnostic method - sclerotic bone changes will be clearly visible on it. So this is another reason to visit a doctor regularly, even if there are no complaints. Indeed, in the early stages it is much easier to achieve stable remission when it comes to periodontal disease.
Severity
The stages of periodontal disease are determined by a number of signs, including exposure of the necks and roots, a decrease in the interdental septum, and tooth mobility. Three degrees of severity are usually distinguished.
The lightest is characterized by a slight exposure of the necks of the teeth and a decrease in the interdental septum - by no more than 30%. Mobility is not observed. Sometimes patients complain of a slight burning sensation or itching in the gums. Some may notice that pieces of food get stuck between teeth much more often than before.
Speaking of moderate severity, they mention a figure of 50%. Teeth may also loosen slightly. Around the same time, periodontal circulation became noticeable — the gums became more “pale.”
All conditions exceeding the previous indicators relate to the severe stage. By the way, sometimes with this severity, bleeding, the appearance of gaps between the teeth and shallow gingival pockets can be observed. Sometimes purulent ulcers even cause serious discomfort. As a rule, this is already an accompanying periodontitis with all its problems.
Since periodontal disease is a systemic disease, it is much more serious than local inflammation, which means it can result in much more unpleasant problems than increased sensitivity and exposure of the roots. And even if it seems that such minor symptoms are not worth worrying about, you do not need to be deceived - no remedy for periodontal disease will be effective enough if you treat it at a very late stage. Fortunately, the development of the disease can last for years and decades, so there is a chance that treatment will begin anyway. So do not start periodontal disease.
Folk remedies
Unfortunately, the usual methods of treatment, which can be used at home, are practically ineffective in this case. Any remedy for periodontal disease, as a rule, is still for periodontitis. All these methods can do is relieve inflammation. Nevertheless, sometimes this task also faces those who still suffer from a systemic disease. So a paste from periodontal disease can help get rid of tooth sensitivity and gum discomfort. True, the selection of these medicines should still be a qualified physician who really knows how to treat periodontal disease. Folk remedies for bone atrophy, unfortunately, are powerless. So do not risk it and experiment. Even periodontitis, characterized by the most unpleasant symptoms, but, in general, frivolous, if you deal with it, should be cured under the supervision of a doctor. What can we say about systemic disease.
Treatment methods
Of course, not everyone immediately goes to the doctors after learning about periodontal disease. It is impossible to treat this disease at home, so sooner or later, feeling that the problem is serious, most patients still end up in the dental office.
It is useless to say that in the early stages everything is treated much easier, and sometimes even a complete recovery is possible. As a rule, the dentist sees the sad result of independent attempts to get rid of the disease or their absence. At this time, you can only try to stop the progression of the destruction of the jawbone and related symptoms, as well as at least partially restore the blood circulation of the tissues.
As a rule, treatment tactics at this stage include antibacterial therapy, that is, antibiotics, tartar cleansing, the use of a laser, darsonval, gingival shower and other measures to maintain oral hygiene. They say a lot of good things about the Vector apparatus, which affects the problem with ultrasound.
However, this is not enough. Along with the constant monitoring of the dentist, consultations are held with an immunologist, therapist, endocrinologist and other specialists. They can prescribe treatment and other diseases that worsen or cause periodontal disease. This may include taking hormones, steroids, vitamins, and other drugs. It is necessary to bring the other body systems in order.
It is worth remembering that the treatment of periodontal disease without monitoring for concomitant diseases is ineffective. Yes, and adhering to one approach may not always be reasonable, so measures should be taken to prevent the growth of microorganisms and inflammation, restore normal blood flow and slow down bone resorption. Influencing the problem from different angles, in most cases it is possible to achieve stable remission, although patients have to maintain this condition and regularly carry out preventive measures until the end of their lives. However, health and beauty are worth it.
Effects
It’s hard to smile with periodontal disease. A photo with a wide smile, meeting new people, romantic relationships - a huge number of things and actions become a real torment. But it is not only a cosmetic flaw and a decrease in the quality of life - in the end, modern dentistry solves any problems of an aesthetic plan with ease.
The most obvious consequence of periodontal disease is tooth loss. And since this disease is of a general nature, the entire jaw will suffer. So you can stay completely without teeth even before 30 years. For some, this could just be a disaster. Prosthetics for periodontal disease, as a rule, is offered long before it becomes truly relevant. So do not postpone the trip to the dentist because of the fear of pain. However, there are other consequences that seem even more serious.
The connection with diseases of the oral cavity is not direct in this case, but home treatment for periodontal disease or even its absence can significantly increase the risk of a number of ailments.
Firstly, these are cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. It is scientifically proven that microorganisms that provoke inflammation in the late stages of periodontal disease often enter the bloodstream and can settle in the large central arteries, starting to multiply there. Of course, even this alone is not too good, but if this happens for years, the lumen of the vessels narrows, which leads to heart attacks and other disastrous results.
Secondly, it is diabetes. As already mentioned, this disease is a risk factor in relation to periodontal disease. But this connection also works in the opposite direction. As you know, any inflammation raises blood sugar, so you should not risk your health.
Thirdly, it is pneumonia. Everything that is in the oral cavity has a chance to get into the lungs. This also applies to pathogenic bacteria. And if usually various protective mechanisms prevent such a development of events, one day it may not be lucky.
Finally, periodontal disease is another reason to worry for pregnant women. According to statistics, women with healthy gums are much less likely to give birth prematurely. The mechanism of this relationship is not yet fully understood, but it has been observed that with periodontosis in the mother, the fetus gains weight much worse, and in her body the level of substances that provoke labor is increased ahead of time. In addition, there is a higher risk of getting diabetes for pregnant women, which also does not add to the health of either the mother or the baby.
So, it is obvious that the consequences of periodontal disease do not end with the oral cavity. But still it is not clear why so many people prefer to ignore it. Nobody wants to deal with such serious consequences of a seemingly trifling disease? Of course no. And there is only one way out - to treat periodontal disease. Testimonials from patients who contacted doctors on time are much more inspiring than those who had to spend a lot of unpleasant hours with the dentists.
Prosthetics
With periodontal disease, of course, teeth and gums are primarily affected. If the remaining consequences can not be advertised, then hide the exposed neck and roots is almost impossible. So the solution is number one in severe cases, especially if prolapse begins, these are prostheses.
The main problem in this case is inflammation. Before proceeding to prosthetics, it must be removed, as well as stabilize the course of the disease, if it continues. Even with a complete absence of teeth, it is possible to correct flaws. True, in this case, this process has its own characteristics.
The most popular, although not too convenient, is a removable denture. It is traditionally associated with old age, and it is also quite uncomfortable. The process of caring for it leaves no doubt about the presence of problems, but this may be a very good temporary solution while the healing of the gums occurs.
With periodontal disease of moderate severity, when the teeth only become mobile, splinting is possible. This allows you to slow down the destruction of the bone, as well as prevent loss. If this is not observed, but the course is severe, there is a fan-shaped discrepancy, metal-ceramic bridges can help. Consultation with a specialist may reveal the need to remove some teeth. In this case, a special device will come to the rescue - splint clasp. It will not only fill in the gaps in a smile, but will also seal everything that remains in place.
It is worth noting that prosthetics, when it comes to periodontal disease, is not a whim that allows you to eliminate a cosmetic defect. The fact is that with the loss of several teeth, the chewing load on the rest increases, which aggravates the loosening of the rest and further destruction of the bone.
Surgeons are sometimes advised to remove all teeth if there are very few of them left. Periodontal tissues will also go away with them, which will completely stop the course of the disease, that is, a sclerotic change in the jaw bone. And then the best way out is implantation. There are various options, but they all come down to about one thing: several metal pins are implanted in the jaw, on which the prostheses themselves are later fixed. This is a rather long and painful process, sometimes you even have to build up the bone on which the structure will be held.
In any case, do not neglect the treatment and consultation with a dentist who will tell you the best tactics and options. And you can prescribe a trip to the doctor long before you need to think about dentures - then this can be completely avoided.
Prevention
Since the reasons for the occurrence of periodontal disease have not been clarified, it’s rather difficult to talk about how to prevent this disease. Of course, it is necessary to monitor oral hygiene, regularly visit the dentist, but more difficult to do. Of course, it is still possible, and even necessary, to treat and control any other diseases in time, even if they are not related to dentistry.
Smoking, by the way, if it does not cause periodontal disease, then seriously worsens its course. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which causes the disturbed circulation of the periodontium. As a result, tissues atrophy faster, and treatment becomes much less effective. And if you are not sorry for health and a beautiful smile, then you should definitely think about the money given for consultations and procedures, and in the future also for prosthetics.
By the way, periodontal disease is not at all contagious. So even with exacerbation, you can not shy away from manifestations of tenderness, for example, kisses. And this is another reason why you should not confuse it with periodontitis, which is caused by microorganisms that are perfectly transmitted through saliva. So it is always worth listening to doctors and be sure to clarify the diagnosis if in doubt.