Periodontal disease is a widely prevalent dental health condition that can negatively impact your quality of life, with its advanced form even compromising your ability to do daily tasks. A study published by researchers in 2019 found that the prevalence of the disease was on the rise in the United Arab Emirates, even while it was declining worldwide. To ensure that you do not develop the condition or seek timely treatment to prevent complications, you must understand this disease in depth. With the help of our periodontist in Dubai, we will be examining this condition.
What is periodontal disease?
It is also called gum disease and is an infection or inflammation of the gums and bone that supports and surrounds the teeth. It can be prominently visible as healthy gums tend to be firm and pink; however, this condition makes them red, soft and painful to the touch. The disease is most prevalent in adults and is considered one of two major threats to dental health: tooth decay.
What are the types?
There are two primary types of periodontal diseases with varying causes and symptoms.
Gingivitis
The mildest type of periodontal disease, gingivitis, typically manifests as red and swollen gums that bleed easily and develop sores. It is caused by a lack of dental hygiene and can be reversed if you practice proper oral care.
Periodontitis
When gum disease develops into an advanced stage, it is called periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads below the gum line and affects your teeth. Your jawbone can also start deteriorating, eventually leading to atrophy and tooth loss. Symptoms of this condition include receding gums, bad breath, and gingival pockets that may contain pus. This type can further be classified as aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, systemic periodontitis, and necrotizing periodontal disease, based on the duration and severity of symptoms.
What are the causes?
There are many harmful bacteria present in your mouth. If you fail to practice effective dental hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria can build up and form plaque. Eventually, this can harden and become tartar which is difficult to remove without intervention by a dentist. In addition, if you miss eliminating the tartar on time, it can spread below the gum line and cause gingivitis.
At this stage, it is essential to consult a periodontist and undergo the necessary treatment to stop the disease progression. If you do not do so, the infection can worsen and turn to periodontitis.
What is the treatment for the condition?
You can combat periodontal disease easily with the help of good dental hygiene practices. While a professional cleaning process to remove the tartar and antibiotics to help control the inflammation and infection can stop the progression of the disease and cure it. If you fail to follow dental habits such as daily brushing and flossing, it can reoccur. If your periodontitis reaches an advanced stage, you will require laser surgery to control the infection.
The best way to ensure that you do not develop this painful condition is by simply following good dental hygiene practices. If you happen to notice periodontal disease symptoms, it is vital to immediately schedule an appointment with us at the American dental clinic in Dubai. Timely treatment is essential to stop the condition from worsening and saving your teeth.
