What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a periodontal disease consisting of inflammation and infection of the gums, ligaments and bones that support the teeth. The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that in periodontitis there is bone loss and/or recession (loss of height and elongation of the teeth) of the gums.
What causes periodontitis?
It is clear that periodontal disease is due to infection of the gum-to-tooth junction by particularly aggressive bacteria. In people with very thin gums and/or little maxillary bone, the progression of the disease is much faster and more aggressive.
We can cite the following as risk factors for periodontal disease:
- Gingivitis.
- Poor oral health care habits.
- Tobacco: the smoker has less gingival bleeding and less inflammation than the non-smoking patient, so periodontal diagnosis is made later. It is vital, it is these cases,to do periodic reviews in IMOI
- Diabetes: Diabetic people are more likely to have infections and develop periodontitis.
- Medications:Some antidepressant or heart medications may decrease salivation and periodontal gum disease may develop.
- Hormonal changes: In women, hormonal changes affect the gums during both menopause and pregnancy.
- Drug use or vaping.
- Poor nutrition, obesity and eating disorders.
- Medications that cause dry mouth or alterations in the gums.
- Autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
- Immune-lowering conditions such as leukemia, HIV or chemotherapy such as leukemia, HIV or chemotherapy treatments.
How do I know if I have periodontitis?
The periodontal disease has very obvious manifestations. Note the following:
- Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
- Red, swollen or painful gums.
- Bite changes.
- Persistent bad breath.
How do we treat periodontitis in IMOI?
At IMOI we have a medical team of specialists in periodontics so we recommend that regular visits to our clinics will make prevention the best medicine. Periodontitis cannot always be completely cured because the supporting tissue cannot be rebuilt.
However, we can stop the progression of the disease by using root planing procedures in combination with antibiotic treatments.
If necessary, the periodontist may perform surgical treatments such as gum reduction surgery and also tissue grafts to strengthen the bone and improve the esthetic appearance of the oral cavity.
For gingival grafts we use Emdogain, which has been widely supported by scientific evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in the treatment of localized bone loss caused by periodontitis. Numerous studies have confirmed its efficacy in reversing the adverse effects of periodontal disease on bone structure. Through rigorous scientific research, Emdogain has been shown to successfully promote bone regeneration in areas affected by periodontitis. Conclusive evidence firmly establishes Emdogain as a reliable treatment option to address localized bone loss associated with periodontitis.
What are the complications of periodontitis?
Periodontitis causes loss of gum, bone and teeth in the mouth. The bacteria that cause periodontitis pass into the blood through the gums and can affect other parts of the body.
Periodontitis is related to respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, blood glucose control problems in diabetics or premature birth and fatal low birth weight.
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