Periodontitis: what it is, causes and treatment

Oral diseases are more common and aggressive every day, among them is periodontitis , which is an infectious condition that can attack patients of any age and sex. It is generally caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking or consumption of psychotropic substances.

Thanks to the evolution of science, there are a wide variety of successful treatments . These methods are applied depending on the severity of periodontitis. For this reason, in this article we will explain in detail the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this pathology, in order to prevent it and be prepared to control it.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a disease that damages the gums in the mouth. This infection affects the soft tissue and requires immediate treatment to stop its progression and consequences.

Note: Most cases occur as a result of poor oral hygiene. It is also known as gum disease.

Likewise, this pathology begins with redness and bleeding of the gums . The infection forms a dental cement that attenuates the alveolar bone, thus producing weakness and mobility in the dental units.

What are the causes of periodontitis?

Oral diseases are very common, which is why we need to take care of ourselves, maintain our oral health and know the factors that can cause them . Below we will explain the most common causes of periodontitis:

1. Poor oral hygiene

Lack of oral hygiene is the main cause of this disease. This is because the remains of food with starches and sugars increase the production of bacteria in the mouth, where leftover food left between the teeth after poor brushing can become oral cement.

2. Consumption of cigarettes and psychotropic substances

Tobacco consumption increases the possibility of suffering from periodontitis. This is because the toxins from cigarettes increase and strengthen the bacteria present in the mouth.

Note: Some psychotropic substances produce this pathology in 3 months of consumption.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

Maintaining a daily diet with nutritional absences increases the chances of suffering from periodontal disease. This causes a deterioration in the gums and a decrease in the immune system to attack infections. In addition, it produces weakness and pain in the teeth.

4. Hormonal changes

Some people suffer from this disease due to a hormonal imbalance. Imbalances of estrogen and progesterone in the body can cause the appearance of periodontal pathology.

Note: In the case of women, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are hormonal factors that can cause periodontitis. This occurs because there is no blood supply to the oral tissues and the body does not have a good defense against toxins.

5. Overweight

Being overweight increases pro-inflammatory cells and produces oxidative stress , this has the consequence that inflammation does not decrease, which means that the body does not have the capacity to attack infections and increases oral infections.

Important: A study from the Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile affirms that obesity predisposes to the destruction of soft tissues and causes periodontal diseases. (1)

6. Medicines

Some drugs such as anticonvulsants, cyclosporine, and calcium and channel blockers can cause oral disease. This is because there is a decrease in the absorption of minerals , resulting in the production of oral cement, pain when chewing and gingival bleeding.

What symptoms does periodontitis produce?

Periodontitis is a disease that many patients suffer daily. The symptoms and severity will vary according to each person’s medical history. Next, we explain the most common discomforts of this pathology:

1. Inflammation, redness, sensitivity and bleeding gums

Gum discomfort is one of the most painful symptoms. A sticky layer is produced and deposited on the teeth. This causes bleeding when brushing, pain when eating, and constant redness.

2. Toothache and bad breath

This disease produces a constant unpleasant odor in the mouth , which occurs when inhaling and exhaling the air. This symptom is externalized when there is poor oral hygiene. If there is tartar on the teeth, bad breath can occur. Also weakness in the gums causes pain in the molars.

3. Mobility and tooth loss

When periodontal inflammation is in an advanced state, it can cause weakness in the gums and in the ligaments that support the teeth, which causes them to loosen and lose their firmness.

Note: In the worst cases, teeth can fall out.

4. Abscesses and receding gums

Periodontitis when it is advanced produces pus in the gums . This infection causes a retraction of the same, which generates segregation of liquids around the teeth. Hollows and pockets are also formed in the soft tissues full of tartar and bacteria.

How is periodontitis removed?

Thanks to science, this disease can be successfully treated and cured . Treatments will vary depending on the severity of periodontitis, where the most effective and efficient procedures will be explained below:

1. Drugs recommended by a specialist

Antibiotics help decrease and control the infection. They can be oral, topical drugs, mouthwash or gels. It is applied between the gums and teeth after brushing, especially if the patient has holes.

Important: These medications are usually aggressive so they should be taken only under medical supervision.

2. Professional teeth cleaning

Tartar over time changes color and hardness. It becomes a cement that can only be removed by a professional , where special instruments are used to scrape and remove bacteria on the teeth and within the gums.

3. Dental surgery

When it comes to surgery, the treatments are many. Among the most common are pocket reduction, soft tissue grafting, and bone grafting . Each of these procedures removes good, healthy material and places it on the affected area.

4. Maintain proper oral hygiene

It is mandatory to adopt a routine of oral cleaning, since it is a very important factor for those who want to treat periodontitis. It should be performed on the teeth, gums and pockets, in order to prevent the infection from reaching the bone of the teeth.

Tip: It is recommended to perform a deep brushing 3 times a day on all teeth. Likewise, the use of dental rinsing and flossing are very useful.

5. Avoid smoking, drinks and foods high in sugar

Smoking should be avoided, since cigarette toxins increase the production of oral bacteria. On the other hand, foods high in sugar do not allow the gums to recover easily. They also increase the chances of tooth decay.

Important: A study carried out by the University of Chile , assured that smoking affects the efficiency of the treatment to alleviate periodontitis. (two)

6. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and omega 3

Consuming foods with a high content of vitamin C and omega 3, help the immune system to have a greater resistance to infections. Also, they provide collagen, which helps the regeneration and maintenance of the gums and soft tissues.

Note: The most recommended foods to successfully combat this disease are: citrus fruits, fish, tubers, legumes, grains, nuts and shellfish. These help restore the elasticity and firmness of the muscles, ligaments and skin of the oral cavity.

7. Keep in regular dental checkup

This is a disease that requires care and attention, so constant dental control is recommended . A monthly visit will help remove dental plaque, prevent gingivitis, and maintain oral health. In addition, it will be possible to monitor relapses of the disease.

Important: A clinical case was carried out in Venezuela, where it was verified that acute periodontitis requires continuous treatment. Monitoring and personalized maintenance must be carried out on the patient to avoid new appearances of the disease. (3)

Key Findings

• Periodontitis is an infectious disease that is based on inflammation, bleeding and pain of the gums.
• It is mainly produced by poor oral hygiene, smoking and nutritional deficit.
• If not treated in time, it can cause loss of teeth.
• There are many effective treatments to combat and eliminate this pathology; but all must be supervised by an oral health professional.