Periodontology (Gum Diseases)

What are the causes of gum diseases?

One of the most common causes of gum diseases is microbial dental plaque deposits that accumulate on and between the tooth surface. Although the plaque, which is the same colour as the tooth, cannot be seen visually, it can be easily cleaned by brushing and flossing because it is soft. If these plaques are not cleaned, harmful substances cause tartar, gum diseases and dental caries over time.

The dentist removes the tartar with the help of special instruments. After the treatment, it is very important that you continue to clean your teeth regularly with dental floss and a toothbrush.

If your gingival recession is advanced, cavities may have occurred due to alveolar bone resorption and peridontal operations under local anaesthesia may be required to treat bone resorption. In these operations, auxiliary biomaterials such as membranes and bone grafts are used to regenerate lost tissues. After the operations, follow-up is required at intervals of 3-6 months.

What are gum diseases?

Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that can be seen at any age and usually goes unnoticed until the last period because it is painless. Gum disease is an infectious disease that affects not the tooth itself, but the tissues surrounding and supporting the tooth. Even if you do not have any decay in your teeth, you can even lose your healthy teeth due to gum disease.

Gingivitis

It is the most common type of gum disease. It is caused by microbial dental plaque. The supporting tissues around the tooth are the gum, tooth root, jawbone and the fibres connecting the root of the tooth to the jawbone and this structure is called "periodontium". Cases where the infection affects only the gums are called "gingivitis". Symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, shiny, shiny, soft and easily bleeding gums. Bleeding and bad breath are the most important symptoms. In the first period, there is no or very little pain. Therefore, it is late to be recognised. Gingivitis can be treated with proper oral care.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, one of the most common gum problems, affects the gums as well as the tooth root, jaw bone and the fibres connecting the root of the tooth to the jaw bone. Since it progresses very slowly, its symptoms are recognised in the late period. Symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding, red/bluish/purplish discolouration, gingival recession, gingival enlargement, tooth displacement, spacing, elongation, wobbling, abscess formation, tenderness and bad breath. Pain is usually associated with abscess formation. Infection, loss of chewing and a diseased and unsupported substructure that cannot carry the prostheses to be made occur. Diseases affecting the systemic and immune system, such as diabetes, increase the severity of gingivitis.

Periodontal diseases

It is the advanced form of periodontitis. It is a gum disease that causes the destruction of the gum that fills between the teeth starting from the top and progresses when left untreated, leading to bone resorption as well as the loss of healthy teeth. It is more common in people with oral hygiene problems, those who experience stress and HIV carriers. It causes severe pain.

Gingival abscess and periodontal abscesses

Foreign bodies that sink into the gums can cause abscesses in the gums. A gingival abscess causes reddened gums, swelling, bleeding and tenderness. Periodontal abscesses occur in untreated cases with advanced bone resorption.

Symptoms of gum disease:

• Reddened and sensitive gums
• Bad breath
• Gingival bleeding that develops suddenly or during tooth brushing
•  Gum recession
• Gums that can be easily separated from the teeth and move away
• Inflammatory discharge between teeth and gums
• Teeth that shake and move away from each other even though they are intact
• Changing the relationship between the upper and lower teeth during biting

How are gum diseases treated?

When gum diseases are diagnosed at an early stage, they can be treated by scaling and providing the necessary oral care. If not treated early, surgical intervention may be required.