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La periodontitis, also known as pyorrhea, consists of an inflammation and infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It is an evolution of the gingivitis, that is, from an inflammation of the gums that we have not treated or have treated incorrectly.
Causes of periodontitis
A combination of various factors:
- An untreated gingivitis
- oral bacteria
- poor hygiene
- tobacco
- Stress
- Some diseases, such as diabetes
- A drop in defenses
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause…)
- genetic predisposition
Symptoms of periodontitis
There are different symptoms that we must take into account:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Color change in the gums, which become reddish or purplish
- Dental sensitivity cold or hot
- Retraction of the gum (we perceive the teeth as longer because the gum has receded)
- Mobility in the teeth, in an advanced phase
In smokers, periodontal problems can be diagnosed later, since tobacco reduces blood flow, and therefore gum bleeding.
Treatment of periodontitis
It is the specialist who must set the treatment, but as a guideline it can be:
- A deep cleaning of the gums, which is usually known as dental scaling, and a subsequent evaluation to see if the health of the gums has been recovered, with a periodontogram.
- A small surgery may be necessary to correct the defects that the disease may have caused.
- Evaluation of risk factors to provide personalized advice on hygiene and care.
- Regular reviews and oral hygiene every three months, six months or a year.
Tips to prevent periodontitis
The main recommendation is that you visit your dentist periodically to monitor the progress of the disease.
- Good dental hygiene.
- Avoid foods rich in sugars.
- Avoid snacking between meals.
- If you eat between meals, brush your teeth after each meal.
- Monitor your general health status.
- Stop smoking.
Complications of periodontitis
Periodontitis, if not treated and controlled, can cause: bad breath, pain, bleeding gums and difficulty chewing when there is mobility or loss of teeth.
In addition, periodontitis has been related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular pathologies, oral infection by the papilloma virus and Alzheimer's.