| Parodontitis is a disease characterised by the swelling of the dental parodontium (the tissue surrounding the tooth, the gum and the bone), leading to the deterioration of the apparatus sustaining the teeth and alveolis (socket), the appearance of mobility and finaly the loss of teeth. Parodontitis is not a tooth disease! Most of the time these are healthy. Statistics show that the disease affecting the sustaining apparatus of the teeth causes more tooth loss than cavities. How does parodontitis appear? | | | How does Paradontitis? The causes of this disease are numerous and diverse. Different factors were incriminated among which genetics, bacteria, food conservants (due to which it was also called the “disease of civilization”), the most important remaining the accumulation of debris at the base of the tooth, called plaque and tartar, elements which>besides the chronic irritation, constitute an optimum environmentfor bacterial culture. The harmful substances resulted from the metabolism of the bacteria can cause inflammation or swelling, which is the first stage of parodontitis. | | | | How can we recognise gum disease or parodontitis?
A healthy gum has a pink colour, is well attached to the teeth and the papilla (the gum zone between the teeth) is whole and does not bleed when brushed (image 1). A sick gum is red and swollen or pale and retreated, bleeds easily and at the base of the tooth a plaque can be frequently seen (image 2). This is the preliminary step towards parodontitis and is called gum disease (gingivitis).
In time the tissues sustaining the teeth start to deteriorate. Gum bags appear. In this case the debris can infiltrate under the gum and can not be stopped or accesed by brushing the teeth.
The changes due to the variety of bacteria increase the inflamation. By a tough attack on the parodontium, the teeth loose their stability, become mobile, due in fact to the loss of the bone that sustains the tooth (image 4). Prophilaxis of Parodontitis (periodontal disease)
In order to maintain the parodontium healthy, rigurous hygiene must be maintained. The toothpaste and the toothbrush are the main instruments for cleaning the lateral and ocluzal parts of the teeth, tongue and gums. For the areas that are more difficult to get to, helping instruments can be used: the mouth shower that besides the irigation of the less accesible areas around the teeth, has a massage effect that stimulates the blood circulation locally, maintaining health; dental floss that allows the removal of food debris from the spaces between the teeth; removing the tartar and professional periodic brushing that removes the plaque that can not be removed by the previous methods. Mouth wash has an important role reducing the activity of the bacterial plaque by balancing the ph and by their content in antibacterial substances. | | What can the dentist do against parodontitis?
Only by careful examination and individual treatment an existing inflamation leading to tooth loss can be stopped. In order to accomplish this the bacterial plaque or tartar needs to be removed from the teeth and their roots. According to the gravity of the disease, the dentist can decide on a treatment program comprising of multiple steps according to the particular situation. For a long term effect your contribution is necessary and great care should be taken in removing the bacterial plaque and maintaining personal hygiene. Remember!
Modern science is prepared for visible results in the treatment of these diseases. A series of treatments have been developed with remarkable results, so at present to say that parodontitis can not be treated is a sign of incompetence.
Look for the specialist that you can trust, that can have a treatment solution, regardless of the situation you are in, and start treatment as soon as possible. Don’t forget that always it is easier to prevent than treat. You can participate responsibly in the maintenance of your health and enjoy a lifetime with beautiful teeth! | | | |
Dr. Daniel Traian Iordachescu
Medic specialist Chirurgie Oro-maxilo-faciala, Implantologie, Parodontologie
Doctor in Stiinte Medicale | | |  | | Regular removing of the plaque allows to maintain healthy gums
| |  | | Gum disease: the gum becomes red, swollen and bleeds easily | |  | | |  | |
|  | | The gum retracts slowly and the teeth start migrating | |
