Oral health is not just about the teeth. The gums and the structures that support the teeth play an equally essential role. When disease affects them, the consequences can be serious, from simple inflammation to irreversible tissue destruction. This article covers gum and periodontal diseases, their symptoms and the periodontal treatments offered at our dental clinic in Saint-Eustache.
Gum and periodontal diseases: what are they?
Gum diseases generally progress in two main stages:
- Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque. The gums become redder, tender and bleed easily when brushing. This stage is reversible with good hygiene and a professional cleaning.
- Periodontitis: if gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation spreads to deeper tissues, such as the bone and ligament that support the tooth roots. Periodontal pockets form, spaces between the gum and the tooth roots where bacteria multiply. This stage usually requires more complex treatment, because the toxins released by the bacteria cause irreversible tissue destruction.
The serious consequences of periodontitis
Periodontitis is not just a problem of the gums. Its effects can be significant:
- Loose teeth and tooth loss: destruction of the supporting bone makes the teeth unstable, then leads to their loss if no treatment is given.
- Difficulty chewing: weakened teeth compromise eating and everyday comfort.
- Cosmetic impact: gum recession, longer-looking teeth and visible gaps between them change how the smile looks.
- General complications: pain, infection and the psychological impact of losing teeth can affect quality of life.
Signs and symptoms to watch for
Periodontal diseases often progress silently. Here are some signs that should alert you:
- Red, swollen or tender gums;
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing;
- Persistent bad breath;
- Receding gums (gum recession), exposing part of the tooth root;
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted;
- Pain or discomfort when chewing.
Periodontal treatments by stage of the disease
Seeing the dentist as soon as the first symptoms appear is essential to stop the disease from progressing. Periodontal treatment depends on how far it has advanced:
- At the gingivitis stage: a professional cleaning including scaling, and better oral hygiene, are usually enough to restore gum health.
- For mild to moderate periodontitis: the dentist performs root planing. This deep cleaning removes plaque, tartar and all traces of bacteria under the gum to reduce inflammation.
- For more advanced cases: periodontal surgery may be needed to clean deep pockets and the tissues of the periodontium (bone and supporting tissue).
- Grafts: when tissue destruction is advanced, gum or bone grafts may be recommended.
- Follow-up and maintenance: whatever the stage, regular, careful follow-up is essential. Patients with periodontitis often need to be seen more often than average to prevent relapses.
The link between periodontal disease and systemic disease
Scientific research has shown that periodontitis does not only affect the mouth. These links show how important it is to treat periodontal disease quickly and seriously; it is much more than a simple gum problem. It is linked to several systemic diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: chronic inflammation and periodontal bacteria can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Diabetes: periodontitis makes blood sugar harder to control, and conversely, poorly controlled diabetes promotes the progression of periodontal disease.
- Pregnancy complications: untreated periodontitis is associated with a higher risk of premature birth and of preeclampsia for the mother.
- Dementia: more recent studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease reach the brain and contribute to the development of cognitive diseases.
In light of this, it is clear that gum and periodontal diseases must be treated as early as possible. That is why it is important to see the dentist regularly for early detection and appropriate treatment. At Centre Dentaire Ethier & Nadeau, we use our range of periodontal services to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively, helping our patients preserve their oral and general health.
