Treatment of gum diseases

The treatment of periodontal diseases varies depending on the state of advancement of the pathology. Dr. Sofia Debiaggi will be responsible for performing an evaluation and establishing the most indicated treatment plan.

If the disease is in an initial period, it is necessary to eliminate the accumulated bacteria through professional prophylaxis, performed by professionals such as the dentist or dental hygienist.

In the case of periodontitis, the treatment is usually organized in two phases. In the basic phase, periodontal bacteria are eliminated by scaling and root planing. In diseases whose state is more serious, access to deep periodontal pockets will be considered by performing periodontal surgery. Sometimes, in this type of phases, bone regeneration techniques are applied. If the gums are very receded, periodontal surgery with grafts can be performed to cover the part that was lost after its deterioration.

Relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases

Multiple studies have revealed the existing association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular alterations. Some of the diseases related to periodontal disease and the cardiovascular system (CVS) are: bacterial endocarditis, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, thrombosis, coronary insufficiency and varicose veins.

The relationship between periodontal disease and respiratory conditions is established when there has been a failure in defense mechanisms. The most frequently related diseases are: bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung abscesses. Aspiration of bacteria occurs when gram-negative bacteria from periodontal pockets penetrate and spread through the lower respiratory tract until they reach the lung.

Diabetes mellitus is another of the diseases related to periodontal diseases, with a direct relationship between both, since they share genetic factors, and microbiological and immunological alterations in common. The main evidence is that glycemia stabilizes after periodontal treatment and periodontal disease destabilizes glycemia.

Gum diseases are also associated with kidney conditions, cerebrovascular disorders and certain pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Risk factors for periodontal disease

If you already know what periodontal disease is, you should also know its risk factors to prevent this pathology.

• Lifestyle can become a risk factor for periodontal health due to the consumption of inadequate foods, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and other substances.
• Tobacco use is the main risk factor, which affects the prevalence and progression of periodontitis and interferes with tissue healing. It can be a direct etiological factor in the progression of a stable gingivitis lesion to a destructive disease.
• Another reason why periodontal disease appears is genetic predisposition. Genotype plays an important role in susceptibility to periodontitis. The risk of tooth loss is significantly high if combined with tobacco use.

Following inadequate oral hygiene is another of the most widespread risk factors. Dental crowding and other dental malposition problems can make it difficult to perform a complete daily oral cleaning, causing a high risk of suffering from periodontal pathologies.

Pregnancy and periodontal disease

The hormonal variations that women experience during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, in hormone replacement therapy and in the use of oral contraceptives produce significant changes at the periodontal level, especially if there is gingival inflammation caused by pre-existing bacterial plaque.

Pregnancy gingivitis is very common and affects between 60-75% of pregnant women. Signs of the disease begin during the second month of gestation and reach their peak in the eighth month.

These oral problems have been related to low baby weight and premature birth. Pregnant women should undergo immediate treatment of periodontal disease to reduce the risk of prenatal and postnatal complications.