Periodontal disease: what is it?
The periodontium is formed of tissues surrounding the tooth and which serve to hold it in its housing (the socket).
Periodontal disease therefore affects the supporting tissues of the tooth: the gum, bone and ligament. They are caused in the majority of cases by bacteria, viruses or even yeasts.
These bacteria are organized in a biofilm, which explains their resistance to antiseptics and antibiotics. It appears in all hostile aqueous media. Bacteria are organized in a matrix made of proteins. But the development of bacteria is favored by a particular context: weakened immune defenses due to stress, cardiovascular disease, poor dental hygiene, tobacco, diabetes …
You knew it ? 87% of people aged 35 to 65 have chronic periodontitis (periodontal pocket larger than 3 mm)
Periodontal disease: symptoms
The main symptoms felt by the patient are redness (the color of the gum is changed), bleeding (spontaneous or lores of brushing), edema (swelling of the gum) or tingling, the pain being rarer.
The periodontium is gradually destroyed under the effect of inflammation, resulting in destruction of the attachment system. The bone gradually disappears and the tooth begins to move. There is also the appearance of periodontal pockets, caused by detachment of the gum which no longer adheres to the tooth by destruction of the attachment system. This last symptom is the most revealing for the dentist.
Periodontal disease: more or less serious
– Gingivitis: this disease is reversible. It is caused by an overabundance of germs that can be eliminated with good dental hygiene. It is best to brush your teeth vertically and clean the areas between the teeth several times a day. Gingivitis does not cause pockets or destruction of the bone.
– Chronic periodontitis: they are caused by an overabundance of dental plaque and more particularly concern people over 40 years of age. These plaques grow slowly but rarely cause tooth loss.
– Aggressive periodontitis: they are characterized by loss of attachment and destruction of the bone. They are diagnosed with the use of a probe or an X-ray workup which will see the bone loss.
Periodontal disease: how to cure?
The basis is to eliminate germs. This is done at the dentist by descaling, as well as through good daily hygiene with brushing several times a day. Frequent removal of tartar is therefore essential to fight against these diseases.
Surgery is also possible and necessary in some extreme cases. The dentist suggests the use of implants. This involves placing a false titanium root screwed into the jawbone to replace the teeth that are too severely affected.
