Gum diseases (also known as periodontal diseases) are infectious diseases that affect the gums and tissues that support the teeth. Research shows that the majority of tooth losses are caused by gum diseases. These diseases do not cause any noticeable symptoms until they reach a very advanced stage. Therefore, early diagnosis is important for the success of treatment. These diseases are generally slowly progressing, painless diseases that can be observed in children, growing individuals, adults and the elderly, and are one of the most common health problems in the world today, making it almost impossible to ignore with their effects on general body health, which are beginning to be better understood.
What is gingivitis (pyorrhea)?
Periodontitis, or 'pyorrhea' as it is commonly known, is the inflammation of the bone and gum tissues surrounding the teeth. Since gingivitis affects not only the visible gums but also the bone tissue, an uncontrolled gum disease will eventually cause decay-free and healthy teeth to shake and recede.
Gum diseases also affect the general health of the individual by introducing toxic products of bacteria into the systemic blood circulation. Recent studies have shown that individuals with gingivitis have an increased risk of developing some systemic diseases. As a result of these studies, it has been determined that gingivitis is associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some respiratory diseases, and the risk of premature and low birth weight in pregnant women.
Don't ignore it as bleeding gums! may occur. Treatment and prevention of gum diseases are very important for our health. As long as you protect your natural teeth, you can chew food more easily and ensure better digestion.
What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum diseases are usually in an advanced stage. They do not show symptoms until they reach the The first symptom is bleeding. If there is spontaneous bleeding, the problem may have progressed. In untreated and advanced gum disease; A constant bad odor in the mouth, bleeding gums while brushing, swelling in the gums, redness and sensitivity, loosening of the teeth, gaps between the teeth, inflammation between the teeth and the gums, differences in the contact between the teeth when biting, red and swollen gums, bad taste in the mouth, gums Signs of exposure of the tooth root and itching sensation (in the gums) are observed.
What are the causes of gum diseases?
The main cause of gum diseases is usually bacterial plaque that forms on the teeth. The essential thing for a healthy mouth is to remove the bacterial plaque that forms on the teeth with daily cleaning. If bacterial plaque is not removed, it hardens and deposits called tartar form. Studies conducted to date have shown that there can be more than 500 different types of bacteria in dental plaque.
Some of these can directly or indirectly affect the body's defense mechanism and cause destruction in the bone tissue that supports the gums and teeth. Factors such as crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, some anatomical formations in the teeth, some soft tissue anomalies, cavities, overflowing or incomplete fillings, faulty prostheses, mouth breathing and dry mouth can also cause the development of gum disease by making it easier for plaque bacteria to attach to surfaces. Apart from this, other factors that may cause gum inflammation are; smoking, genetic factors, stress, medications, teeth clenching and grinding, hormonal changes, hormonal diseases, malnutrition.
Periodontologist Dr.Dt Laçin Berber said, “If you smoke, go through periods of abnormal changes in the body such as menopause and pregnancy, have diabetes, have a stressful life, use antidepressants and heart medications, have inadequate oral care, your teeth are clenched. and if you grind, you may have ill-fitting dentures or dentures in your mouth. "If there are fillings available, if there are members of your family who lost their teeth at an early age: You may be at risk for gum diseases," he said.
Treatment of Gum Diseases
Gum diseases are diseases whose development can be largely prevented and controlled. Treatments can be completed in one or several sessions, depending on the degree of destruction of the disease, the amount of tartar, the general health condition of the patient and the degree of oral care applied by the patient. The aim of gum treatments is to eliminate gingival inflammation and the factors that cause it and to create a healthy periodontal structure.
Healthy gums are light pink in color and have a firm consistency and do not bleed when eating a hard fruit or brushing your teeth.
Due to its importance in the development and treatment of gum disease, individuals' habits are evaluated during the gum treatment process. Studies are carried out to help people quit smoking. Consumption of sugary, sticky, acidic foods that will increase plaque retention and/or provide a suitable environment for the development of bacteria is limited. The stress level of the individuals is evaluated and if there are teeth grinding habits or joint problems, night plate applications are applied. During these checks, the use of toothbrushes, dental floss, interdental brushes and tongue cleaners is also evaluated, and deficient and incorrect practices are detected and corrected.
The success and continuity of periodontal treatments are directly related to the individual oral care habits of the patient. The first form of treatment is dental scaling. "After the dental stones are cleaned, if the deep tissues are heavily affected and there are infected tissue residues, the second stage, which we call curettage, is carried out, and the last stage is to perform an operation if necessary," he said. Dr. stated that it should be known that gum infections that are not controlled and treated in time cause the loss of healthy teeth. Laçin Berber said, “First of all, general health, then teeth should remain in the mouth and all restorative applications can be done on an inflammation-free, healthy ground. Hepatitis treatment should be done. We can compare these treatments to the strengthening of the substructure of a building.
''Brush your teeth at least twice a day''
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and clean the interfaces such as interdental brushes and dental floss. Cleaning auxiliary equipment should definitely be used.
he said.
Brush your tongue too!!!
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