PERIODONTITIS

                                   PERIODONTITIS

What Is It?
  Periodontitis is a condition which involve inflammation of the gums and other structures that support the teeth.It is a bacterial infection.
 Some of the substances that your body produces when it tries to fight the infection can be harmful. They damage the jaw bone and the ligament around the teeth.
If this process continues, the teeth become loose. Pocket formation occurs between teeth and gums which provides space for bacteria to grow.Falling of teeth may also occur if it is not treated properly.

Incidence of periodontitis increases with increasing age
Smoking is a major risk factor which increase the damage to the tissues supporting your teeth.

Major Symptoms

• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Reddened, swollen or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth

How Will Your Dentist Examine Your Teeth?

1.Your dentist will examine your mouth with a dental probe. 

2.Your dentist may test for loose teeth.
3.Your dentist may also order for X-rays.

Is It Completely Curable?

Periodontitis cannot be completely reversed. 50% of  the damaged fibers and bone will regrow but not all the time.
Treating the disease can prevent more damage.

Prevention

1.Daily brushing and flossing is the best method to protect your teeth. 

2.Avoid smoking as much as possible.

Treatment

Periodontitis can be of mild, moderate or severe.Treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

Mild periodontitis is usually treated with a cleaning called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Root planing smoothens the roots, making it harder for bacteria to stick there and grow.

Moderate periodontitis  may need surgery. Some surgeries reshape your gums to better fit your teeth. Others try to regrow bone that was destroyed.

Severe periodontitis usually requires surgery or antibiotics. Treatment may also include removal of teeth that can't be saved.

Anyone with periodontitis must brush thoroughly at least once a day and clean the spaces between the teeth with special small brushes or dental floss.



The outlook is better if periodontitis is diagnosed before it gets serious. Once you start to lose your teeth, the outlook worsens. It is time for smokers and people who use smokeless tobacco to quit the habit.
  Regular brushing and flossing is still important even after your periodontitis is under control.