Do your gums bleed too? Let's learn exactly about periodontal disease!

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Or do you just have an unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth? You may think that this is normal and that it happens to everyone. But in fact, this could be an early sign of gum disease that needs some attention. Today, we'll talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, or as it is called in English, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around your teeth, that is, the gums and the bones that support your teeth (jawbone) . Just as a tree is anchored to the ground, our teeth are anchored to the jawbone. If the soil around the tree is not fertile, or if the soil becomes diseased, the tree will shake and fall, if the gums and bones around the teeth become weak, the teeth will also shake and eventually fall out.

The main reason for this is plaque, a sticky substance that forms in the mouth. This plaque is a film of bacteria that accumulates in the mouth. If we do not clean our teeth properly, these bacteria begin to damage our gums. For some people, no matter how well they brush and floss, they are more likely to develop this disease due to genetic factors.

See if you have these characteristics too.

Gum disease doesn't cause much pain in the early stages, so many people don't pay attention to it. But it's important to be aware of these symptoms.

How this disease gradually worsens (Stage 4)

Gum disease doesn't get worse all at once. It progresses gradually, in stages. It's important for you to be aware of these four stages.

Why does gum disease occur? What are the risk factors?

As we mentioned earlier, the main cause is plaque buildup , but there are several other factors that increase the risk of developing this disease.

• Smoking and tobacco use: People who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing this disease and are less likely to respond to treatment.
• Poor oral hygiene: not brushing or flossing properly.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing gum disease because they have a reduced ability to fight infections.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can cause gums to become sensitive.
• Stress: Stress weakens our body's immune system.
• Genetic influence: If someone in your family (mother, father, siblings) has this disease, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Other diseases: People with heart disease and autoimmune diseases like lupus are also at higher risk.

Is this contagious from person to person?

Gum disease isn't as easily spread as a cold. But the bacteria that cause it can be passed from person to person through saliva. That means long-term, close contact, such as eating from the same spoon or kissing, may increase your risk.

How does a dentist detect this?

When you go to see a dentist, you can tell if you have this disease during a routine checkup. He or she will look at the color of your gums, whether they are swollen, and whether there is any gum tissue stuck to your teeth.

In addition, a small instrument called a "periodontal probe" is used to measure the depth of the pocket between the tooth and the gum. The deeper the depth, the more severe the disease. The mobility of the teeth and the degree of gum recession are also checked.

If necessary, an X-ray of the teeth will be taken to determine exactly how much damage has been done to the bone.

What are the treatments?

It's important to remember this: Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be completely cured . However, once the disease has progressed and the bone has been damaged, it cannot be completely cured. However, with proper treatment, the disease can be controlled, further damage can be stopped, and your teeth can be saved .

The treatment that's right for you depends on factors like the severity of your disease, your overall health, and whether you smoke or not.

1. Treatment at the earliest stage (Gingivitis)

At this point, the disease can be cured by having your teeth thoroughly cleaned by a dentist and maintaining proper oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing.

2. Deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

This is a little deeper than a regular cleaning. It removes the plaque and tartar that are under the gums, inside those pockets we talked about. This is usually done with a toothbrush. After this, the gums will reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of the pocket.

3. Surgical treatment

Those with severe disease may need surgery.

• Pocket Reduction Surgery: Here, a small incision is made in the gums, a small amount of gum is removed, the roots of the teeth are exposed, and the bacteria and tartar are completely cleaned out. The gums are then put back in place and sutured.
• Bone Grafting: Bone grafting involves implanting artificial bone fragments or bone fragments taken from another location into areas of bone that have been destroyed by the disease, allowing the bone to regrow.
• Gum Grafting: If the gums have receded and the roots of the teeth are exposed, a piece of gum taken from another part of the mouth (usually the upper palate) is grafted to that area.
• Other modern treatments: In addition to this, there are also modern treatments such as laser therapy (LANAP), guided tissue regeneration, and platelet-rich plasma (PRF/PRP) using the patient's own blood.

Can't this disease be prevented?

Of course you can! In many cases, gum disease can be prevented by following a few very simple, daily habits.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a good fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth daily . Flossing removes food particles and gum that brushing cannot remove.
• It is also a good idea to use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• If you smoke, stop. This is the biggest help you can do.
• Visit a dentist at least once a year to have your teeth checked and cleaned.

When should you see a dentist?

If you have these symptoms, see a dentist without delay.

• If the gums are swollen, red, and painful to the touch.
• If you bleed when brushing your teeth.
• If you have a bad smell coming from your mouth.
• If you feel like your teeth are moving.

Remember, the sooner this disease is recognized and treatment begins, the greater the chance of saving your teeth.