GUM DISEASES
(Periodontology - Periodontics)
When teeth are not cleaned properly, food residues accumulate on and between them and produce bacteria. These porridge-like deposits, which we call bacterial plaque, are the main responsible for tooth decay and gingivitis, and over time, they form dental stones as a result of the precipitation of saliva.
Microorganisms that grow inside the bacterial plaque break down sugary foods and produce acid. And this acid decays the tooth, starting from a small area and gradually increasing. In later stages, extraction may be inevitable.
The first symptom of gingivitis is bleeding in the gums. It manifests itself further with color and deformities in the gums and bad breath. Tooth loss caused by gingivitis is much greater than tooth loss caused by caries.
First of all, it should be noted that healthy gums are light pink in color. It is tightly adhered to teeth and bones and has a shiny and rough appearance similar to orange peel.
Symptoms of Gum Disease:
The first and most important symptom of gum disease is gum bleeding. Healthy gums do not bleed
If there is swelling and redness in the gums,
If there is recession in the gums and sensitivity on the exposed root surfaces,
If black areas due to tartar are seen around the gum edges or between the teeth,
If there is inflammation between the tooth and the gum,
If there is loosening of the teeth, elongation and gaps between the teeth,
If there is a constant bad smell and bad taste in the mouth,
You should be examined by a dentist before it is too late.
What causes Gum Disease?
The main cause of gum disease is a sticky, transparent layer called bacterial plaque that clings tightly to the teeth. You can notice plaque by scraping your tooth with your nail. One milligram of plaque contains between 200 and 500 million bacteria. In addition, the following factors also affect your gum health.
GENETIC FACTORS
According to research, there is a 30% genetic predisposition. In addition, the likelihood of developing gum disease increases 6 times with poor oral care. If there is someone in your family with gum problems, be sure to be examined by a gum specialist.
CIGARETTE
As we all know, smoking causes many serious diseases such as cancer, lung and heart diseases. Apart from all these, it is also very harmful to the oral mucosa and gums. It causes the gums to soften and gum disease to develop.
DRUG USE
Birth control pills, anti-depressants, and heart medications affect your oral health. Therefore, if you are using one of these medications, please warn your dentist and pay special attention to your oral hygiene.
HORMONAL CHANGES
You need to pay special attention to your oral hygiene during periods of intense hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause and menstruation. Your gums become more sensitive during these periods. The susceptibility to gum disease increases.
STRESS
In addition to being one of the causes of many diseases such as hypertension and cancer, it is also a risk factor for gum diseases. Research has shown that stress, including periodontal diseases, makes it harder for the body to fight infection.
Clenching or grinding your teeth
They cause periodontal tissue destruction by reducing the strength between the tooth and gum. One of the reasons for gum recession is teeth clenching. This tightening must be stopped by wearing a night plate.
MALNUTRITION
It causes the body's immune system to weaken and, accordingly, it becomes difficult to fight infections, including gum infection (See, Balanced diet and dental health).
DIABETES
Diabetics are in the high risk group for periodontal (gum) infection. They should definitely pay special attention to their oral hygiene by having routine gum checks done by a periodontologist.
POORLY MADE CROWN BRIDGE AND FILLINGS
Fillings, crowns and bridges that press on the gums and overflow cause problems in the gums.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
If bacterial plaque is not removed, it hardens and deposits called calculus or tartar form. Toxins (harmful substances) produced by the bacteria in plaque damage the gums. Toxins break down the supporting tissues around the gums, move away from the teeth, and more bacterial plaque accumulates in the periodontal pockets formed. As periodontal disease develops, the pockets become deeper. Bacterial plaque adheres to the exposed root surfaces of the teeth. The bone support of the teeth is destroyed and untreated teeth begin to shake and eventually are extracted.
How are gum diseases diagnosed?
When dentists are suspicious about the general appearance of the gums, they measure the length of the gum pocket between the tooth and the gum with an instrument called a periodontal probe. A periodontal examination should be performed as part of every oral examination in adults. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the bone tissue around the teeth.
How to protect yourself from gum diseases?
You can play an important role in preventing periodontal diseases. In order to keep your teeth in your mouth for life, bacterial plaque must be removed from your teeth regularly every day, by brushing your teeth, using dental floss, and using chemical agents.
In addition to the above, it is extremely important to go to the dentist regularly and have check-ups. Although daily oral care keeps the formation of tartar to a minimum, it cannot completely prevent it. Tooth scaling to be done by a dentist; It removes hardened tartar from areas that you cannot clean with a toothbrush or dental floss. The removal of dental tartar is called dental scaling. Your dentist can create a personalized oral care plan based on your specific needs. With this program, you can practice tooth brushing and flossing without damaging your teeth and gums.
You can get recommendations about oral health products from your dentist by visiting your dentist regularly. There are many types of toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwashes and interdental cleaners on the market. Your dentist will help you choose the products that are most suitable for you. (See, Brushing Teeth)
Treatment of gum diseases in the early stages usually consists of scaling and root planing. In these stages, bacterial deposits and tartar are removed from the pockets around the teeth and the root surfaces are smoothed. With these processes, bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation are removed from the mouth. These procedures, performed in the early stages of gum diseases, are generally sufficient for satisfactory results.
In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. The purpose of surgical intervention; It removes the tartar and diseased tissues in deep pockets, smoothes the root surfaces for healing, and shapes the gums so that they can be easily cleaned.
Periodontal patients should be seen periodically after treatments. The only way to maintain the positive results obtained with periodontal treatment is to brush your teeth, use dental floss and regular use of chemical agents that remove bacterial deposits from the environment. And the most important thing is to have your check-ups at the intervals recommended by the dentist.
Who Performs Periodontal Treatments?
All dentists can identify periodontal diseases and treat early gum disease. Some dentists have additional knowledge and experience to treat advanced periodontal diseases and are specialized in this field. Dentists with this knowledge are called periodontists. The dentist believes that, if necessary, the disease should be treated by a specialist and may send the patient to a periodontist. Along with the treatment of periodontal diseases, regular brushing of your teeth and regular dentist visits, healthy teeth can be maintained for life.