Periodontal disease
The periodontium is what holds your teeth in the jaw. It is made up of four tissues: the bone that surrounds the tooth, the gum that covers the bone, the dental ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone, and the cementum that covers the root and in which the ligament is anchored.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Maintaining a healthy periodontium is therefore imperative to avoid the risks associated with this type of oral disease.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease can affect the gums, in which case it is called gingivitis. Possible symptoms can be:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing your teeth
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
The disease can affect the entire tooth bed, which is called periodontitis. The symptoms are the same as for gingivitis, but in addition:
- the bone deteriorates,
- the teeth loosen, look longer, can wobble and move.
- Gum pockets develop around the teeth, which are a real reservoir for the microbes that cause the disease.
You are experiencing these symptoms?
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Why does one become ill
Periodontal diseases are multifactorial. The main causes are the following:
- Presence of aggressive bacteria
- Lack of protective bacteria
- Factors that favour the growth of aggressive bacteria (plaque, inadequate dental care and crowns).
- Hereditary factors.
- Stress and fatigue.
- Tobacco.
- General diseases such as diabetes.
CAUTION: Smokers may have undetected symptoms even though the disease is present or even more aggressive due to smoking (aggravating factor).
What to do in case of symptoms?
It is essential to have a full periodontal examination to make an accurate diagnosis. The examination includes :
- An examination of symptoms
- A clinical examination.
- A charting (measurement of the pockets)
- A microscopic examination of the plaque.
- An X-ray examination
The diagnosis will determine if you have any of the following:
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
- Chronic periodontitis.
- Aggressive periodontitis.
Request a teeth and mouth screening
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTThe treatment aims at stopping the progression of the disease and strengthening the supporting tissues of your teeth. The objective is to create an environment around the teeth that is suitable for good bacteria and to fight aggressive bacteria. We will help your body to do what it cannot do by itself, namely fight aggressive bacteria.
The treatment combines both a treatment carried out by the patient at home and a professional treatment carried out in the dental office.
We will start treatment with antiseptics, the purpose of which is to lower the inflammation of the tissues around the teeth and make life difficult for aggressive bacteria.
We can also prescribe antibiotics. Which molecules we prescribe and when depends on the analyses we need to carry out as part of the treatment.
Depending on the nature of the impairment and other parameters, we will carry out non-surgical and/or surgical treatments. The least invasive solutions are always preferred.
