Periodontics │ Prevent bleeding gums and periodontitis

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a disease of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and is one of the most common human diseases. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria and the body’s inflammatory reaction to those bacteria. This destroys the jawbone, which leads to tooth loss in advanced periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can lead to rare forms of periodontitis, even in young adults.

It is difficult to detect an inflammation of the gums by yourself. You will most likely notice an increased tendency to bleed from the gums. The gums may also look swollen and the teeth may have a discolored layer of bacterial plaque.

Periodontitis always starts with an inflammation of the gums. In most cases, this can be treated successfully through professional dental cleaning. Inflammation is triggered by deposits that build up above and below the gums, forming plaque. This plaque consists of food debris, special components of saliva and above all acids caused by bacterial fermentation, which lead to cavities and inflammation of the gums.

If the plaque under the gums is not removed in time, it can spread down below the gums and toward the roots of the teeth. Subsequently, a gap is formed between the root of the tooth and the gums, a periodontal pocket. It is an ideal place for bacteria to multiply. Toxins released from the bacterial metabolism literally eat away at the jawbone and the gums. Once the jawbone is destroyed, it will not completely regenerate itself.

Existing periodontitis is brought to a halt by a systematic periodontal treatment. The basis of every treatment is to completely eliminate bacterial plaque. Depending on how advanced the disease is, several treatments may be necessary: Pretreatments, main treatments and follow-up treatments. Depending on how aggressive the bacteria is, different types of antibiotics are used in addition to treatment, or a laser is used to kill the bacteria responsible for the disease.

Targeted therapy helps to control the disease. Due to our daily food intake, however, plaque starts building up between the teeth and gums again. It is therefore important to have the plaque removed professionally at regular intervals in order to effectively prevent recurrence of the disease. In the long term, this will help prevent further destruction of the tooth’s supporting structures and tooth loss. The aim is to maintain overall health so that you can smile showing your own teeth even at an advanced age.