DID YOU KNOW…?
In Spain, according to the 2005 National Health Survey, between 85-90% of the population over 35 years of age suffers from these pathologies to some degree, mainly gingivitis. The most destructive manifestation or periodontitis affects 30-38% of adults over 35 years of age.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Know these new terms:
Bacterial dental plaque: it is the main factor in periodontal diseases or gums. Dental plaque is a thin and harmful layer or film, it is continuously formed as a product of the bacteria that inhabit our mouth (more than 700 types) and its accumulation causes gingivitis..
Gingivitis: it is one of the most frequent pathologies in humans. It is reversible and can appear at any age. This superficial inflammation of the gum can be healed with a professional dental cleaning. However, if gingivitis persists and if there are other factors such as stress, tobacco, diabetes or a possible genetic predisposition, periodontitis will eventually develop. The first clearest sign of gum inflammation is bleeding, either during dental brushing or spontaneously. A healthy gum does not bleed.
Periodontitis (Pyorrhea): it is a deep infection of the gum and the rest of the tissues that support the tooth and that leads to bone loss. In addition to bleeding while dental brushing or spontaneously, hypersensitivity to cold, mobility or separation of teeth, gum recession and bad breath may be noted.
WHAT CONSEQUENCES DO THEY HAVE?
If they are not treated properly, and there is no periodic periodontal maintenance, these pathologies will worsen until they cause teeth loss. In addition, scientific evidence confirms that periodontal infection has an impact on general health: it increases cardiovascular risk, complicates glycemic control, favors lung diseases and complications during pregnancy, increasing the risk of premature birth. People who smoke have up to three times more risk of suffering from periodontitis and since tobacco makes it difficult and reduces blood flow, sometimes bleeding from the gums does not appear, making it difficult to detect it early. Therefore, it is convenient for smokers to pay special attention to the health of their gums, in addition to trying to quit smoking.
HOW ARE THEY TREATED?
Controlling dental plaque is the best prevention of periodontal diseases. In addition to regular visits to your dentist, each person must take responsibility for their daily dental hygiene by brushing their teeth and interdental spaces, at least three times a day. In our Dental Clinic Blancodent in Las Palmas, we will explain how to improve dental brushing techniques and the use of dental floss or interdental brushes.
If it is gingivitis, it is treated by professional prophylaxis "dental cleaning”. If it is periodontitis, by dental scaling and gum curettage, cleaning below the gum. And in case of advanced periodontitis, with small surgeries. Along with regular dental cleanings, compliance with an adequate periodontal maintenance program will strengthen your periodontal health and prevent recurrence, ensuring long-term control of periodontal disease.
Eliminating bacterial dental plaque is the best prevention.
Periodontal maintenance, the guarantee of periodontal health.