The term periodontology is not easy to pronounce, that is true. It is good to know that it is all about the periodontium in this important specialist area. This includes the gums, the periodontal membrane, the periodontal fibres and the jawbone.
What is periodontitis?
You have probably heard the term periodontitis. It is the description of a chronic inflammation of the periodontium A large proportion of the population suffer from this.
What causes it? On the one hand, bacterial coatings which may gather due to poor or incorrect oral hygiene. On the other hand, it may be to do with an inflammatory reaction of the body which arises in around 30 per cent of the population. This chronic inflammation causes lasting damage to the periodontium and the jawbone, which often leads to tooth loss.
IMPORTANTBleeding gums when brushing the teeth as well as redness and swelling of the gums may be the first signs of periodontitis. It is best to go to the dentist immediately. Early diagnosis brings the best chance of a cure.
Risk factors for inflammation
External and internal effects are crucial for periodontitis. If the immune system is weakened over time, the body is unable to prevent inflammation of the periodontium.
These factors increase the risk of the disease:
- Smoking tobacco
- Diabetes mellitus
- Stress
- An unbalanced diet
- Genetic predisposition
- Taking certain medicines
- Pregnancy
Do not be complacent about periodontitis!
Untreated diseases of the periodontium not only show symptoms in the gums, teeth and jawbone but also have a negative effect in terms of diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism. They can even lead to premature births.
What we can do for you - therapy for periodontitis
Good to knowTo be able to offer you the best services for maintaining the health of your periodontium, we undertake regular further training.
First of all, we remove the hard coatings (plaque and concretion) and the bacteria that has gathered, the so-called biofilm. This stops the process of inflammation. Using scientifically ensured methods for building up bone, and individually customised medication therapy, we can also treat advanced diseases of the periodontium.
Do you have any questions on the topic of periodontology?
You will find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
Children are affected only very rarely by periodontitis, whereas adults suffer from it more frequently – particularly patients aged between 40 and 50 years. The disease is often recognised late as the symptoms are largely unobtrusive and do not cause any pain at first.
As soon as you notice the symptoms that point to a disease. The first warning signs are bleeding of the gums when brushing your teeth daily, as well as redness and swelling of the gums. Do your gums bleed under light pressure? This may be a sign of the start of periodontitis. It is best to go to the dentist immediately. Early diagnosis brings the best chance of a cure.
Yes, this can be done at our practice, and indeed, using prostheses, implants or bridges. However, it is better to prevent the loss of teeth with appropriate care and treatment of the disease in the early stages.