How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
To determine the presence of periodontal disease it is important to always be aware of the signs and symptoms that may occur, as well as regular visits to the dentist where you can make an early diagnosis of the presence of any of the periodontal pathologies. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are the following:
- Presence of swollen or inflamed gums with changes in coloration: A healthy gingiva should present a coral pink color, when witnessing changes in this color to reddish tones, with the presence of inflammation is a warning sign of the presence of periodontal disease.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums are never normal under any circumstances. When this sign appears when brushing your teeth, flossing or simply spontaneously, it is already a warning sign that a periodontal disease is active.
- Retraction of the gums: When there is a reduction in the size of the gum giving the appearance that the teeth look longer than before, it is a sign of the presence of periodontal disease that is producing an irreversible loss of alveolar bone and therefore gives the appearance that there is less gum.
- Bad breath or constant sensation of bad taste in the mouth: This is a very common sign of periodontal diseases caused by gases emitted by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth.
- Presence of loose teeth or teeth that have fallen out on their own: When there is a loss of bone support around the tooth, the tooth becomes mobile and in more advanced cases the tooth falls out.
- Bite changes: If you notice that your bite no longer meshes as it used to, that you have teeth that have shifted horizontally or vertically, it may be a sign that there are alterations at the bone level due to periodontal disease.
- Pus between the teeth and on the gums. The presence of an infectious sign such as pus is a warning sign of active and aggressive periodontal disease.
- Pain when chewing: When it is a generalized pain or discomfort in all teeth or in a large sector of the mouth, but not in a specific tooth, it is a sign of periodontal alteration.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is the key to control the disease and prevent irreversible damage and future complications.
Treatment of various periodontal diseases involves controlling bacterial infection and restoring gum health. Some of the most common treatments are as follows:
- Deep dental cleaning: It is the first step to control and reduce the progression of periodontal disease, also known as scaling and root planing. It consists of the removal of bacterial plaque and dental calculus also known as tartar that accumulates above and below the gums.
- Medication: In some cases it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics in the form of both pills and mouthwashes to treat the existing oral infection.
- Periodontal surgery: Indicated in slightly more advanced cases where there is constant bleeding of the gums and the probing depth (measurement in millimeters between the gum margin and the bone supporting the teeth) is greater than normal. Some common types of periodontal surgery include:
- Flap surgery: During this procedure, an incision is made in the affected gum area to gain direct access to the tooth roots so that the affected area can be cleaned, then the gum is repositioned and sutured.
- Soft tissue or bone grafts: Indicated in cases where there has been a significant loss of gum or supporting bone to regenerate and strengthen damaged structures.
- Periodontal maintenance: After the initial treatment, it is important to maintain periodontal controls and periodontal maintenance that consist of a visit to the dentist to perform a deep dental cleaning to achieve a control of the oral bacterial load, as well as to monitor the evolution of the state of health of the gums.
- Lifestyle changes: The patient is encouraged to make changes to help control periodontal disease, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet and practicing proper oral hygiene with the recommended toothbrushes, daily flossing and any other auxiliary tools that the dentist recommends on a case-by-case basis.
If you would like to know your current oral health status and rediscover the pleasure of smiling, ask for a appraisal appointment and treatment plan with 3D tomography at 4010-3333, 4010-3333, 4010-3333, 4010-3333, 4010-3333 or 4010-3333. WhatsApp 7031-7979. Or you can also contact us through our web site www.sonrisaparatodos.com It will be a pleasure for us to serve you.
English