Periodontal Disease
When a person neglects good oral hygiene practices and fails to receive regular professional dental cleanings, plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. The bacteria in these deposits release toxins that destroy the tissue surrounding the tooth and supporting bone. This is known as periodontal disease.
The severity of the disease varies according to patient characteristics and underlying conditions. It may progress from gingivitis to periodontitis, a severe inflammatory condition that can lead to loss of teeth. The bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis initiates the disease progression through a bacterial dysbiosis, whereby the normal commensal oral flora is disrupted. Harmful anaerobic organisms then colonize deeper periodontal pockets, releasing inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines that cause host inflammatory responses and eventually result in the destruction of the tooth attachment and alveolar bone.
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Prevention and Treatment
A dentist can identify periodontitis during a regular exam. They will examine the gums to see if they are red or swollen and will measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth with a probe. These measurements help the dentist determine if the disease is in an early stage or if it has advanced to a more serious form. The dentist will also take X-rays to assess the status of the bone.
The first step in treating the disease is a conservative non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves removing the plaque and bacteria from the teeth and roots. The dentist and hygienist will remove the hardened plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surfaces of the teeth and roots. Then they will smooth the roots of the teeth to prevent future accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The dentist will apply a local anesthetic to avoid any discomfort during this procedure.