Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment, Cure, Cause

Periodontal diseases are commonly known as gum diseases. These are serious dental infections and if not treated at the right time, it can lead to the loss of tooth. The word periodontal literally means around the tooth. It ranges from simple gum inflammation to chronic disease which affects the gums and bones which supports the teeth.

Periodontal disease affects one or more tooth. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become swollen.


What are the causes of periodontal disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is the bacteria in plaque, a colorless, sticky film which frequently forms on your teeth. However, the following factors can also affect the health of your gums.

• Misaligned or crooked teeth

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Wearing dental braces or bridges which did not fit properly for a longer period.

• Diseases such as diabetes can also cause periodontal disease

• Use of certain medicines such as anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, steroids, oral contraceptives etc.

• Fillings that have become defective.


What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?

• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor which plays a key role in the development of periodontitis.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease than others.

• Medications: Certain heart medicines and antidepressants can affect oral health by reducing the flow of saliva.

• Illnesses: Diseases such as AIDS or cancer and their treatments can also affect the oral health.

• Genetic factor: By heredity, some people are more prone to periodontal disease than others.


Who are more prone to periodontal disease?

Normally people don't have any signs or symptoms of gum disease until they attain their 30s or 40s. Men have more possibility of getting affected by periodontal disease than women. Still youngsters are also rarely affected by periodontitis.


What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

The common symptoms of periodontal disease are

• Swollen, red or tender gums

• Inflamed gums which may bleed easily

• Consistent bad breath or bad taste

• Teeth that is loose or separating


How is periodontal disease diagnosed?

Your dentist will examine the color, looseness, and stiffness of your gums. How your teeth fit together at the time of your bite also will be examined. Your dentist may sometimes suggest X-rays.

Periodontal probing is the basis for diagnosing gum disease. Under this method, an instrument will be inserted between your gum and tooth for the purpose of measuring the depth of the pocket.


What are the treatments available for Periodontitis?

The treatment of periodontitis involves cleaning the gum margins and root planning the earlier stages. In this procedure the plaque and inflamed soft tissue around your tooth are removal with curette.

The treatment will be much more difficult in complex cases. After the removal of plaque deposits, deep pockets will remain and they can be eliminated by the surgical procedure of gingivectomy.

Gingivoplasty is another treatment by which excessive gum tissue can be removed. You can get new shape for your gums. Antibiotics can also be used to treat gum inflammation.