Periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases are essentially diseases of the periodontal tissues (gingiva (gums) and alveolar bone). The most common of them are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is essentially the inflammation of the gums and its causes are principally the bacterial plaque which concentrates at the edges of the gums around the teeth. It occurs more often at young ages and up to the age of 30-35 years. Its causes are principally poor oral hygiene and secondarily the intake of some medicines, pregnancy, or even structural abnormalities of the teeth. The gums appear inflated, intensely red, oedematous and bleeding during their brushing or without any cause. Furthermore, the presence of calculus (tartar) can be often observed, in the form of hard yellow or brown deposits on the teeth. The treatment of gingivitis requires the removal of calculus by the dentist and systematic brushing and use of dental floss by the patient. An antiseptic mouthwash can be additionally used. After 1-2 weeks the gums return to their normal state.

Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease of the gums, but also of the alveolar bone that supports and surrounds the teeth. In periodontitis the bacteria have penetrated deeper in the gingival sulcus and have affected the bone, which leads to its gradual loss and, possibly in the future, to the mobility and maybe the loss of the teeth that have been affected. Periodontitis is distinguished in various forms and degrees of gravity, occurs more often at older ages (35+ years) compared to gingivitis and is usually the result of a chronic uncured gingivitis. Typical symptoms of periodontitis are the inflation, redness and bleeding of the gums, as well as the mobility of the teeth. Furthermore, in advanced forms, the recession of gums and the exposure of the roots of the teeth can be observed, while its progression leads to the loss of teeth. The treatment of periodontitis includes an essentially deeper cleaning of the roots of the teeth with special instruments and usually with the use of local anaesthesia, as well as the systematic oral hygiene by the patient with the use of a toothbrush, dental floss and interdental brush. Additionally, it is possible to use an antiseptic mouthwash, while the regular re-examination by the dentist is necessary, in order to control and stabilize the disease. Periodontitis is often related with more general diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, heart problems and some autoimmune diseases.