How to diagnose a periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases

Periodontal disease is, like caries, a very common dental problem. It affects about 90 percent of people above 30 years of age. This condition, unrecognized and untreated, can even lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis, at various stages, is diagnosed by a doctor during a visit at dentist’s office. However, it is often the patient who alone recognizes characteristic symptoms at home. The first sign of abnormality are bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Plaque and tartar can be seen on the teeth. As a result of the disturbed immune response to the bacteria present in them, the gums recede and the alveolar bone gradually disappears, and consequently, the neck exposes, and further - the roots of the teeth. The next stage is the mobility of the teeth leading to their loss.

It is essential to remember not to underestimate this condition, because advanced periodontitis is very difficult to treat.

It is worth mentioning that the vast majority of cases of periodontitis - about 96% - are the result of hygiene neglect at home and the lack of systematic hygiene visits at the dentist’s office. Important risk factors also include smoking, low-value diets, improperly made restorations and restorations, bad habits such as gnashing and clenching, hormonal imbalances, diabetes and more.

Only a small percentage of periodontitis - about 4%, are hereditary diseases associated with a deficiency or lack of immune proteins.

Bacteria that cause periodontitis affect the entire body; above all, it has been proven to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease such as ischemic disease or stroke. On the other hand, correctly performed sanation of the oral cavity helps people struggling with serious systemic diseases and recovering faster.