A Simple Guide to Periodontal Disease: What It Is and How to Manage It

22 / 04 / 2024

Periodontal disease might sound complex, but it’s actually about something quite common: your gums. At Londent Oral Care, we believe in making dental health understandable for everyone. This guide will help you learn what periodontal disease is, who it affects, and how it can be treated.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease starts when bacteria collect around your teeth and form a sticky film called plaque. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, this plaque can lead to gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious condition called periodontitis.

Here’s what happens in periodontitis:

• Gums pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets.
• Bacteria hide in these pockets, causing more inflammation.
• Bone around the teeth can start to erode, which weakens tooth support.
• If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Who Is at Risk?

Most people have gum inflammation at some point, but some are at a higher risk for periodontitis.

Here are the main factors that can increase your risk:

• Family history: If your relatives have had gum disease, you might be more prone to it.
• Smoking: This is a big risk factor.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more severe gum problems.
• Stress: This can weaken your immune system.
• Certain medications: Some drugs can affect your gums.
• How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

To treat periodontal disease, we start with a consultation to understand the extent of the problem. Dr. Pano Kaimakamis,
our specialist, will check your gums and might take X-rays to see if there’s bone loss.

Once we know what’s going on, we can plan your treatment.

Here are the usual steps for treatment:

• Deep cleaning: We clean the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This is also called scaling and root planing.
• Periodontal surgery: In more severe cases, we may need to do surgery to reduce pockets or regenerate lost tissue.

What to Expect After Treatment

After the first stage of treatment, here’s what you might notice:

• Gums might shrink a little, making your teeth look longer.
• Gaps between teeth might get bigger, which can trap food.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks is common.
• Swelling or discomfort may happen, but it’s usually manageable with painkillers.

To keep your gums healthy, it’s crucial to follow up with regular check-ups.

Here’s what you should know about aftercare and maintenance:

• Reassessment: About 2-3 months after treatment, you’ll have a check-up to see how your gums are doing.
• Maintenance phase: This is where we keep an eye on your gums to prevent the disease from coming back. You’ll need to visit every 3 to 6 months, depending on your needs.

These maintenance visits are more than just cleanings. We check each tooth, look for plaque, and clean as needed. Keeping up with these visits is the key to long-term gum health.

By understanding periodontal disease and following a consistent oral care routine, you can keep your gums healthy and avoid serious complications. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Londent Oral Care for more information or to schedule an appointment.