Periodontal
Periodontics is the branch of dental medicine that deals with the supporting of teeth. The early stage of this disease is gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums caused by dental plaque and tartar.
Symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Bad breath
- Bloody gums
- Red and puffy gums that are sensitive to touch
Gingivitis is clinically characterized as a change to gums due to oedema. Gums therefore:
- Change color to red or purple
- Lose their characteristic stippling
- Lose scalloping and fineness of inter dental papilla
- Produce gingival exudate (pathological weeping)
These pathological changes are a result of the clogging and dilation of blood vessels.
What causes gingivitis?
Apart from its bacterial origins, gingivitis can also be linked to hormonal imbalances occurring at various life stages, like:
- Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Menopause
It can also be the result of medicine use or general diseases (diabetes mellitus, anemia, leukemia).
Why see a dentist?
Untreated gingivitis can easily lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a serious public health problem that is still underestimated. Tooth decay is a condition that’s on the decline in Western countries whereas periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss after the age of 40.