[Infografía] What is periodontitis and how to treat it?

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Periodontitis, also known as pyorrhea, is an inflammation and infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It is an evolution of gingivitis, that is, an inflammation of the gums that we have not treated or have treated incorrectly.

Causes of periodontitis

A combination of several factors:

• An untreated gingivitis
• The oral bacteria
• A poor hygiene
• The tobacco
• The stress
• Some diseases, such as diabetes
• A lowering of defenses
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause…)
• Predisposition genetics

Symptoms of periodontitis

There are different symptoms to be aware of:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Change in color of the gums, which turn reddish or purplish
• Dental sensitivity to cold or heat
• Gum recession (we perceive the teeth as longer because the gum has receded).
• Mobility in the teeth, at an advanced stage

In smokers, periodontal problems can be diagnosed more late, as smoking reduces blood flow, and therefore gum bleeding .

Treatment of periodontitis

It is the specialist who should set the treatment, but orientatively it can be:

1. A deep cleaning of the gums, which is often referred to as a dental scaling, and a subsequent evaluation to see if gum health has been restored, with a periodontogram.
2. It may be necessary to perform minor surgery to correct any defects that the disease may have caused.
3. Assessment of risk factors to provide personalized hygiene and care advice.
4. Regular check-ups and oral hygiene every three months, six months or one year.

Tips to prevent periodontitis

The main recommendation is that you visit your dentist periodically to control the progression of the disease.

1. A good dental hygiene.
2. Avoid foods rich in sugars.
3. Avoid snacking between meals.
4. If you eat between hours, brush your teeth after each meal.
5. Keep an eye on your general health .
6. Quit smoking.

Complications of periodontitis

The 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 linked to other diseases, such as cardiovascular pathologies, oral papillomavirus infection and Alzheimer’s disease.