Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. In its initial stage, the inflammation is superficial, affecting only the gums, and is called gingivitis. If left untreated, the disease can progress deeper, destroying the bone surrounding the tooth roots. This condition is called periodontitis, and it is serious, as it gradually leads to tooth loss if not treated in time.
What causes periodontal disease?
The main cause of periodontal inflammation is dental plaque—a thin, invisible biofilm that covers the teeth and consists of billions of bacteria.
After proper tooth brushing, dental plaque is removed, but within minutes, it starts forming again. However, these newly formed bacteria do not cause harm immediately—they require 1-2 days to mature and become harmful.
Conclusion: Periodontal disease develops when daily tooth brushing is inadequate, allowing bacteria to remain, mature, and become pathogenic.
What are the symptoms?
Many people suffering from periodontal disease are unaware of it, as the condition progresses silently in most cases. Some signs that may indicate periodontal inflammation include:
- Bleeding gums during brushing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Intense red color of the gums
- In advanced periodontitis, tooth mobility may also occur.
Is periodontal disease hereditary or contagious?
Genetics is a predisposing factor, meaning that some individuals may be more susceptible to developing the disease. However, proper oral hygiene, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular check-ups are far more important than genetics in determining the course of the disease. Periodontal disease is not contagious.
Can periodontal disease be treated?
Yes! If treated at the right time, the disease can be cured, or at least its progression can be halted. The type of treatment varies depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Treatment duration ranges from a few days to several months in more severe cases. With modern treatment methods, even teeth with significant periodontal destruction and loose teeth can often be preserved.
Will treatment need to be repeated every few years?
This depends on the severity of the case. Generally, one complete treatment session, followed by frequent periodic check-ups, is enough to restore and maintain healthy tissues. However, periodontal patients require lifelong monitoring by their dentist even after treatment. The key to treatment success is patient cooperation and strict adherence to the dentist’s instructions for daily oral care.