Gum Diseases (Periodontal Diseases)
What is periodontology?
Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with inflammatory diseases of the soft and hard tissues surrounding teeth and implants and their treatment. The purpose of periodontological treatment; regeneration of tissue lost due to disease, creation of a functional and permanent tooth array, obtaining an easily cleanable periodontal environment and improving aesthetics. Periodontology means the science of the surrounding tissues of the tooth.
These surrounding tissues are:
How is the Healthy Gum?
Healthy gingiva has the appearance of light pink and orange peel. It surrounds the teeth. It does not bleed after brushing and the pocket depth is 1-3 mm. In the presence of a deeper pocket, the disease is mentioned.
What are gum diseases?
Periodontal diseases are an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and surrounding tissues that support the teeth. It is a devastating and chronic disease. It is one of the most common chronic infections. It is responsible for 70% of tooth loss in adults. They are easily and successfully treated when diagnosed at an early stage. With the prevention or treatment of gum diseases, patients protect their natural teeth, chew more easily and perform better digestion.
Gum diseases begin with gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first and early stage of periodontal disease. Gums are bleeding, red and enlarged. Early gingivitis may not show many symptoms and if not treated, the disease progresses to periodontitis. In periodontitis, irreversible damage may occur in the gingiva and the alveolar bone surrounding the gingiva. A periodontal pocket is formed between the tooth and the gingiva. This pocket facilitates infection and disease progression. As the disease progresses, the teeth begin to wobble and may go into extraction.
What are the Findings of Gum Diseases?
Why Does Gum Get Sick?
The most important cause is 'bacterial dental plaque'. This plaque is a sticky and colorless layer. Brushing and flossing twice a day prevents plaque formation. If plaque is not removed effectively, calculus (tartar) forms on the tooth surface. The calculus has an irregular surface. The toxins released by the bacteria in this bacterial dental plaque initiate disease in the gums. Due to these toxins, the fibers that bind the gingiva to the tooth are destroyed, the gingiva moves away from the tooth, and a periodontal pocket is formed. Thus, the way of transmission of bacteria and toxins to deeper gingival tissues is opened. As the disease progresses, the pocket deepens, the bacteria penetrate deeper into the bone, and destruction begins in the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth. If the disease is not treated, the tooth is shaken and pulled out.
How Do We Protect From Gum Diseases?
Personal dental care is important. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, and dental floss, mouthwash or intermediate brush should be used after brushing before going to bed in the evening.
Regular dental check-up is important for early diagnosis.
Smoking, gum disease in diabetics?
Smoking increases the rate of gum disease and causes it to heal more difficult after treatment. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your risk of developing gum disease will increase and it will be more difficult to recover.
Does Gum Disease Affect Pregnancy?
Gum disease affects the systemic state of pregnant women and has adverse effects on the fetus. Periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Estrogen and progesterone hormone changes during pregnancy increase the susceptibility to periodontal disease.
For the health of the mother and the baby, it is necessary for the mother to restore and protect the existing oral health before pregnancy.
During pregnancy, routine dental procedures are more appropriate in the second trimester. Emergency treatment can be done regardless of the stage of pregnancy. Obstetrician consultation is required. In the third trimester, there may be pressure on the Vena Cava due to the position. The pregnant patient should be positioned inclined to the left, changed positions frequently, and appointments should be short. Unfortunately, there is a relationship between pregnancy and gum disease, so dental treatments should be finished before pregnancy.