24 February 2014
Periodontal Treatment Basic and Advanced
Periodontal diseases range from gingivitis or simple gum inflammation to periodontitis or pyorrhea, a serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. What causes them? The mouth contains over 500 different microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic. Bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form “plaque,” a sticky, colorless film, on and around the teeth. Plaque that is not removed through regular brushing hardens and forms “tartar.” The longer plaque and tartar are allowed to be left on the teeth, the more likely they can be harmful. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, a condition wherein the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily.
When gingivitis is let untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a worse condition wherein the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets or spaces that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Eventually however, the bacterial toxins along with the byproducts of the body’s natural response to infection both work together to break down the bone and the connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the teeth may become loose and have to be removed.
Generally, the regular practice of good oral hygiene can prevent and even work as treatment for most cases of periodontal diseases. All dental professionals recommend that you brush and floss at least twice a day to get rid of the food left between teeth and to prevent the build up of plaque. You should also brush or scrape off the coating that normally forms on the tongue as they can harbor plaque-causing, foul-smelling bacteria. Gargling and swishing your mouth with flouridated water strengthens teeth and freshens your breath by eliminating food particles and stimulating saliva. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes may add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum also helps as it stimulates production of saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause bad breath as well as tooth decay. Aside from observing proper oral hygiene, experts recommend that you stick to a healthy diet, reduce alcohol and coffee intake, drink plenty of water, and that you get professional teeth cleaning along with your regular dental check-ups at least once a year.
Regular professional dental cleaning to supplement your own daily teeth and gum cleaning routine at home will help ensure that your mouth stays healthy and disease-free. During a typical professional dental cleaning session, your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach on your own. He or she will remove the plaque and hard deposits of tartar that have built up on the teeth, a procedure known as “scale and polish,” and teach you how to prevent them from coming back. Your dentist or hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth, then polish them to remove marks or stains. If a lot of plaque or tartar has built up, you may need to have more than one scale and polish treatment. Your dentist or hygienist will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, like the back of your tongue, a rich breeding ground for plaque-inducing bacteria.
For periodontitis, acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis and other more serious forms of diseases of the gums, your dentist may have to require “debridement” or “root planing” which is a deep cleaning under the gums to get rid of bacteria from the roots of your teeth. You may be given painkilling medication prior to the treatment and you might experience some discomfort for up to two days after having undergone root planing. In some cases, you may need periodontal surgery or other advance treatment. In any event, your dentist will tell you about the procedure needed and how it is carried out. If necessary, he or she will also to refer you to a specialist.
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