Periodontitis is a disease of the gum which destroys the fleshy tissues along with destroying the bone on which the teeth are attached.
Though this disease is common at the same time, it is preventable also. It is due to the poor hygiene habits that many of us have. Brushing teeth two times daily, using floss on a daily basis and regular visits to the dental clinic are somethings which we all are aware of but, do not follow much.
Some indicators of having Periodontitis:
- Swollen or enlarged gums
- Bright red or purple colored gums
- Gums which are painful to touch
- Bleeding gums
- Gums which appear to be longer than they should be
- New space which is developed in between teeth
- Discharge between teeth and gums
- Stinky mouth
- Teeth in bad shape
Below are mentioned the main types of periodontitis:
Chronic periodontitis– It affects every age group. It is caused due to building up of plaque and also involves slow damage which can be worsened with time.
Aggressive periodontitis– This is mostly seen in children, but very few children are affected by it.
Necrotizing periodontal disease – the gums, tooth ligaments, and supporting bone are attacked in this. This is due to less blood supply, which thereby results in infection, which spreads. This mostly happens in people with the poor immune system.
Treatment
The best treatment for periodontitis is to keep a good hygiene habit, which should begin by childhood and be continued throughout life. Let’s look at some treatment measures:
Good habit of hygiene: Brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes, two times a day, followed by flossing and mouthwash, work effectively in treating your teeth against any problems. Many people find electric toothbrush to be far more effective than the normal one.
Regular visits to the dental clinic: You must make it a point to visit your dental clinic every 6 months. This is essential because if there is any problem which is about to begin, your dentist can warn you of that and you can get treated for the same.
Smoking or chewing tobacco: Do you know what happens to your teeth once you smoke or chew tobacco? Half of your teeth fall out, and the remaining ones are black.
Let us see this thing, you are all ready for a photo session with your loved ones, and everyone is showing off their white pearl teeth and you are the one who is flashing a smile of all broken and black tooth. How nice? Isn’t it! Well! Jokes apart! See to it that you don’t smoke for your teeth to be in good health