Are you having swollen gums that appear to be bright red? Healthy gums are pink and are not inflamed. At times, it may happen that individuals have red, swollen and tender gums which is normal every once in a while; however, if the symptoms persist over a long period of time, it could signify a more serious disorder called periodontitis. The disease is a progressive form of gum infection that affects the gums and the jawbone. Poor hygiene is the main cause of periodontitis and sometimes genetic that makes some individuals are even prone to developing this condition even after maintaining brushing and flossing.
The disease has multiple stages and various symptoms which can vary among patients. Treatment of periodontitis goes beyond improving the aesthetics as keeping it unchecked eventually leads to tooth loss and disturbed function.
This blog will provide details about the condition in detail-including what it is, its symptoms, stages and how getting treatment from a periodontics clinic in Kolkata can help manage it effectively.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a progressive gum disease that damages the teeth and bone that supports the teeth. It mainly happens because of untreated forms of gingivitis- ie gum inglammation. When plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gumline, it becomes a breeding ground for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. This results in infection due to which the gums bleed and become detached from tooth surface. As gingivitis progresses, it slowly turns into mild to advance periodontitis and gradually you begin to lose your teeth.
Periodontitis is fairly a common condition. According to studies, more than 85% of the people in India suffer from gum diseases, including periodontitis.
How To Identify That You Have Periodontitis?
Periodontitis usually have many signs The best dentist in a periodontics clinic in Kolkata has highlighted the common signs that patients usually experience and you also need to look out for them.
- Swollen, tender and bleeding gums that either appear bright red or dark purple.
- Teeth that feel to be sensitive or loose
- Chronic bad breath that does not away
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Pain while chewing
- Gaps between the teeth and the gums
- Gum recession makes your teeth appear longer
- Pus around the gumline
- Changes in the way your teeth bite together
Remember that the early signs of periodontitis are present with mild symptoms like slightly irritated and red gums which people don’t find concerning and leave the condition undetected. But as the disease progresses further, the symptoms become more severe and noticeable.
What Are The Stages?
Periodontal diseases have four stages with the first one being the early stage which is mild until it progresses and becomes more problematic in the advanced stage.
Gingivitis(Pre-periodontitis): This is the earliest stage of the disease which is less severe and can be reversed by removing the plaque with dental scaling and polishing.
Initial periodontitis: It is the first stage which follows untreated gingivitis. During this phase, the gums get pulled away from the teeth and you begin to lose 30-40%bone loss , creating periodontal pockets where the bacteria get trapped.
Moderate periodontitis: Bacterial deposits continue to damage the soft tissues and you begin to lose less than 50% of bone support remaining around teeth . As a result, the gums become sore and recede further.
Severe periodontitis: This is the last stage where the bone support is less than 30% remaining there is a possibility of losing all the teeth. In addition to losing teeth, there is pus around the gumline causing chronic bad breathe.
When & Why Treatment Is Essential?
As soon as you develop tender and swollen gums, you should see a dentist at a periodontics clinic without delay. Early detection is the key to maintaining healthy gums, teeth and bones around the jawline, The more you keep the infection without treatment, the disease needs to be arrested as lost bone doesn’t grow back. So save your bone to save gums.
Dental cleaning which includes deep scaling and polishing is the first line of defence against gum diseases followed by gum curettage to establish good attachment of gums to tooth surface back. when the plaque and tartar are removed from both under and above the gumline as well as on the on the tooth.
After the procedure is done, make sure to visit your dentist once again to check your gums and how well the treatment is working.
Final Words
Periodontitis cannot be cured but arrested completely, so surely make it a point to get it managed with proper care and attention. Always talk to your dentist at a periodontics clinic in Kolkata for a personalised treatment plan and the ways to follow proper oral hygiene at home to prevent such dental conditions.
