Overview about periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the periodontal tissue, affecting the supporting structure of the teeth, causing the teeth to lose connection with this supporting organization. Periodontal disease initially affects only the soft tissue - the gums - then can develop to affect the alveolar bone, which plays an important role in keeping teeth. In severe cases, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss, tooth loss.
Causes of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease (gingivitis) is caused by dental plaque. Dental plaque is a tough biofilm containing harmful bacteria that form in the mouth of any individual. Harmful bacteria destroy teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed, it can lead to the gums receding from the teeth, forming pockets of periodontal pus. These pockets, along with hard tartar, make it difficult to remove plaque without the help of a dentist, and periodontal disease will progress to more serious. If not detected and treated promptly, periodontal disease will destroy the entire supporting organization for the teeth, even affecting the alveolar bone.
Signs of periodontal disease
- Gums (gums) that are red, swollen, and bleed easily (when brushing or cleaning between teeth).
- Gums falling out of teeth.
- Breath is smelly.
- Pockets of pus form between teeth and gums.
- Teeth that are loose or far away from the rest of the teeth.
- The change in the closeness of teeth when biting.
- In the case of partial dentures, you will feel the change in the fit of the denture compared to the real one.
Periodontal disease can progress from mild to severe. The initial stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The main signs of this stage are red, swollen gums, and inconspicuous discomfort. During this period, gums may bleed when brushing or cleaning between teeth. When the disease is severe and directly affects the alveolar bone, pus pockets form and create conditions for bacteria to multiply more strongly. Tartar forms in these pockets of pus and are not easily removed with normal oral hygiene measures.
Association between periodontal and systemic disease
The interplay between periodontitis and diabetes has been studied for decades. But only since the beginning of the 21s, has the World Health Organization officially called for vigilance about the effects of periodontal disease on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease increasing the risk of stroke, on respiratory diseases and diseases. The risk of respiratory infection complications in hospitalized patients, in pregnant women, increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in the United States, people with periodontitis are more likely to have cardiovascular disease. Dr Vo Van Nhan: Periodontal is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, especially the elderly. More ominously, periodontitis is also one of the complications of diabetes.