Periodontitis is an infection caused by bacteria that destroy the gum and bone that support and hold the teeth. It is one of the most frequent infections in humans and affects two thirds of the population from the age of 40 onwards. To suffer Periodontitis or Pyorrhea, one must first suffer from Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums for a period of time.
Causes and symptoms of periodontitis
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection, knowing today clearly which bacteria are involved in the establishment and evolution of the infection. We know which bacteria are related to the risk of suffering the infection. It is true that not only bacteria are necessary but also that the person needs to be genetically susceptible to periodontitis. That is to say, that in your family you suffer from pyorrhea. Unfortunately, more than two thirds of the population over the age of 40 suffer from some form of periodontitis. Other risk factors for its development and evolution are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and stress.
The main symptoms are inflammation and bleeding gums, except in smokers who bleed due to the effect of tobacco, bad breath, black spaces between the teeth, and teeth with mobility and longer teeth. Periodontitis does not usually hurt until very advanced stages.
Treatment of periodontitis
The best treatment is always prevention, which consists of seeing a periodontist or dentist twice a year for professional hygiene, motivation and teaching oral hygiene and smoking cessation. This way we reduce the major risks of periodontitis.
The treatment consists of eliminating the bacteria on the gum and below the gum with initial hygiene and scaling. The patient’s oral hygiene is of vital importance for the success of the treatment. After hygiene and scaling the patient is re-evaluated and sometimes minor surgery is necessary to remove periodontal pockets and/or regenerate lost bone and gum.
The treatment is very successful with maintenance and in most cases the teeth are treatable and maintainable in the long term.
There is nothing better than keeping your own teeth.