Gum Diseases
Gums and jawbone are the structures that feed the teeth and form the basis of the mouth. If the diseases in the gums are not treated, even healthy teeth can be lost. Gum diseases; It occurs when bacteria normally found in the mouth infect the gums under inappropriate conditions such as poor oral hygiene and decreased immunity. Most people have experienced this disease at some point in their lives. While it can be treated with professional dental cleaning and regular dental care at the beginning levels; In advanced levels, serious problems are seen and surgical operations may be needed. In other words, early diagnosis and treatment is very important in gum diseases.
How do healthy gums look like?
- It is light pink in color and matte.
- No bleeding is seen with brushing, flossing or spontaneously.
- It is in a slightly rough like an orange peel, tight and hard form.
What are the main gum diseases?
1.Gingivitis: It is the initial stage of gum disease. Although the gums are red, swollen and bleeding, they can be ignored by patients because they are usually painless. At this stage, since the tissues holding the tooth in the bone are not affected yet, the damage of the disease can be prevented with appropriate treatment.
2. Periodontitis: It is the middle stage of gum disease, in which the soft tissues supporting the teeth, as well as the jawbone, begin to be affected by inflammation. Inflammation in the gums becomes more widespread and forms areas called pockets. These pockets increase plaque accumulation and make cleaning difficult. These pockets are the cause of gum recession. Now, toothache, bad breath and mild tooth wobble have begun to accompany the gingivitis picture. At this stage, the fibers holding the teeth and the jawbone are irreversibly damaged, but the progression of this damage can be prevented with appropriate treatments.
3. Advanced periodontitis: In this last stage of gum disease, the tissues supporting the teeth and the jawbone are severely damaged. Toothache and mobilities are exacerbated, and even biting and chewing are affected. If the teeth cannot be saved with an intensive surgical treatment plan, extraction may be required.