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Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common form of gum disease. If left untreated, this disease can have serious consequences for dental health. In this article, you will learn what periodontal disease is, how to recognize the symptoms and what causes it. We will also tell you about methods of periodontal disease treatment.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissue. This includes the gums, the periodontal tissue, the jawbone and the supporting fibers of the teeth. If you do not treat the disease, the gums and jawbone can recede. In the long term, this can endanger the stability of the teeth, lead to bone loss and worsen overall oral health.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

1) Bleeding gums & red, swollen or sensitive gums

Bleeding gums is one of the first and most common signs of periodontal disease. It often occurs when brushing or flossing. Even light touches can cause the sensitive tissue to bleed. You should never ignore this symptom as it may indicate an existing inflammation of the gums.

Healthy gums are pale pink and firm. However, with periodontal disease, visible changes can occur. The gums become red, swollen and sensitive to pressure or touch. These signs of inflammation indicate that the tissue has already been attacked by bacterial plaque.

2) Receding gum tissue, loosening of the teeth & tooth loss

Another characteristic symptom is gum recession. The gums gradually recede, exposing the tooth root. This also increases sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. In addition, soft and hard plaque can form on the tooth neck, which can lead to tartar below the tooth line.

As periodontal disease progresses, the teeth become increasingly loose. This is because the bacteria attack and break down not only the gums, but also the jawbone. In advanced stages, this can lead to the loss of one or more teeth.

3) Bad breath, unpleasant taste in the mouth & pain when chewing

Chronic bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth are common side effects of periodontal disease. They are caused by the bacteria that multiply in the gum pockets and release toxic metabolic products there.

Pain in the early stages of periodontal disease is often not noticeable. It can occur in later stages. Chewing solid food or applying light pressure can hurt. This shows that the inflammation is already deeper in the gums.

The symptoms mentioned can indicate existing or developing periodontal disease. Since this disease often progresses unnoticed, it is important to have regular check-ups with the dentist. If you have a health insurance, it normally covers the costs of supportive periodontitis therapy (SPT) and bone graft.

Causes of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is caused and promoted by many things. Its main cause is inadequate oral hygiene and unhealthy behavior. But there are other reasons why periodontal disease develops:

1) Smoking

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for periodontal disease. The pollutants contained in cigarettes impair blood flow to the gums, weakening their defenses. Smoking also makes healing after inflammation more difficult and promotes the progression of the disease.

2) Genetic predisposition & hormonal changes

Genetic factors also play a significant role in the development of periodontal disease. Studies show that people with a family history of the disease are at increased risk of suffering from this disease. In genetically predisposed people, even good oral hygiene may sometimes not be enough to completely prevent the disease.

Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, can make the gums more sensitive. This causes it to react more easily to bacteria and become more susceptible to inflammation.

3) Stress & weakened immune system

Chronic stress has a significant impact on the health of the entire body, including the gums. Stress weakens the immune system, which limits the body’s ability to fight inflammation. In addition, stress can encourage unhealthy behaviors such as teeth grinding or neglected oral hygiene.

A weakened immune system, as can occur with diseases such as HIV/AIDS or by taking certain medications (e.g. chemotherapy), increases susceptibility to infections. The gums can then be more easily attacked by the bacteria, which promotes the development of periodontal disease.

4) Diabetes

People with diabetes are at increased risk of periodontal disease, especially if their blood sugar is poorly controlled. High blood sugar levels promote the growth of bacteria and make wound healing more difficult. At the same time, periodontal disease can make blood sugar control even more difficult, creating a vicious cycle.

Other influencing factors

In addition to poor oral hygiene, several other factors can significantly increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Recognizing these factors can help in preventing the condition or managing its progression effectively.

Diet and nutrition & alcohol consumption

What you eat and drink has an impact on your oral health. For example, not getting enough vitamin C can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen and keep your gums healthy. Other nutrients, like vitamin D and calcium, are important for bone health and preventing problems with your gums.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have a detrimental effect on oral health. Alcohol dries out the mouth by reducing saliva production and also irritates the soft tissues in the mouth. This makes the tissues more vulnerable to inflammation and infection. Chronic alcohol use may also suppress the immune system, further compounding the risk.

Medications

Some medicines can make periodontal disease worse because some drugs can cause a dry mouth. These include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications. Saliva is important for many things, like neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and protecting your teeth and gums. If you don’t have enough saliva, bacteria can grow more easily in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease.

Methods of periodontal treatment

Periodontal treatment has several goals: stopping inflammation, preventing worsening and restoring oral health. What the treatment looks like depends on how bad the disease is and the general state of health.

1) Professional tooth cleaning

Professional tooth cleaning two to three times a year plays an important role in the treatment of periodontal diseases. This is because, hard and soft plaque need to be thoroughly removed. The cleaning includes:

  • Removal of plaque and tartar: Deposits are removed using special instruments, ultrasound devices and hand scalers.
  • Polishing of the teeth: The smoothed tooth surfaces make it more difficult for bacteria to build up again. Additionally, we can strengthen your tooth enamel with fluoride.

2) Scaling and root planing

These are important measures in the treatment of gum inflammation without surgery. They fight bacteria in the gum pockets and stimulate the gums to heal.

  • Scaling: This involves removing plaque both above and below the gum line. The focus is on cleaning the gum pockets where bacteria accumulate.
  • Root planing: This involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. This means that bacteria can no longer attach themselves to them. The procedure is painless and under local anesthesia.

3) Antibiotic therapy

In cases where the bacterial infection is particularly aggressive, antibiotic treatment can be used as a supplement. The following forms are used:

  • Local antibiotics: These are introduced into the gum pockets, usually as a gel or strip. They contain active ingredients such as chlorhexidine.
  • Systemic antibiotics: In the case of severe infections, our dentists can prescribe some antibiotics. They are usually administered together with other measures.

4) Surgical interventions

In the case of advanced periodontitis, where deep gum pockets have already developed, surgical procedures may be necessary. These include:

  • Flap surgery: The surgeon carefully separates the gums from the tooth to allow for deeper cleaning of the tooth roots and pockets. He then repositions the tissue and sutures it under local anesthesia.
  • Guided tissue regeneration: For this, the dentist uses substitute materials or growth proteins. This promotes the formation of new bone tissue.
  • Gum transplantation: If the gums have receded significantly, the surgeon transplants tissue from other places, e.g. from the palate. The transplanted tissue covers the exposed tooth roots.

5) Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a modern, minimally invasive method for treating periodontitis. The beam specifically eliminates bacteria and reduces inflammation. It offers numerous advantages:

  • Protecting the tissue: Compared to surgical procedures, the treatment is less traumatic and associated with less discomfort.
  • Promoting healing: The laser helps the body to heal itself. This is good for patients who are looking for a gentle alternative to conventional procedures.

Cosmedica Dental: Your experts for periodontal treatment in Turkey

Our dental clinic in Turkey treats gum diseases, has modern equipment and an experienced team. The clinic offers treatment plans that suit the wishes of the patients. Here are the reasons why patients get their dental treatment in Turkey:

  1. Qualified staff
  2. Modern equipment
  3. Affordable prices
  4. Comfortable ambience
  5. Good location

In a specialized clinic like Cosmedica Dental, you can restore your oral health. Treat yourself to the best treatment for healthy and beautiful teeth!