Basically, a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum related diseases and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive a great level of training in these areas. They also study three years more after receiving their dental education.
Periodontitis is a common gum related disease and it is a sort of infection that affects the soft tissues of the gums or the bone that supports our teeth. Our mouth breeds bacteria. The atmospheric condition such as temperature, moisture and availability attracts the bacteria to attack our mouth every now and then. The bacteria attack a part of the tooth on the colorless membrane of the plague which is caused due to the leftover of foods and multiply their breeds on it. Our Immune system releases the toxins to retaliate the intruders which later on results in the inflammation around the gum areas. If this disease remains unattended for a long period of time then it can cause damage around the areas of the bone and gum closer to teeth.
There are various types of Periodontitis. The common types include-
- Chronic Periodontitis: is the most common type which usually affects adults. This is caused by plaque deposits and involves slow deterioration that may get worse over time. It causes destruction in the gums and bone and loss of teeth if not treated in time.
- Aggressive Periodontitis usually begins in childhood or early adulthood and affects only a small number of people. It tends to affect families and causes prompt progression of bone and tooth loss if untreated.
- Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: is classified by the death of gum tissue, tooth ligaments and supporting bone spawned by lack of blood supply which results in severe infection. This type generally occurs in people with a weak immune system because of HIV infection, cancer treatment or other causes.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- The major reason is the bacterial annexation on the leftover of the food that causes inflammation.
- Neglecting Oral health
- Smoking can also play a major role in the development of Periodontal Disease
- Some people are more likely to get periodontal disease because of their genes.
- Misaligned teeth and braces can make it more difficult to brush or floss your teeth which are likely to enhance plaque and tartar formation.
- Whenever hormone levels fluctuate in the body, changes can occur in the mouth. Puberty and pregnancy can fleetingly increase the risk of gum disease.
Therefore, it is important to:
- Brush the teeth with a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Use floss every day to clean between the teeth, in the spaces that the brush cannot reach.
- Take utmost care when cleaning around uneven surfaces, for example, closely-packed teeth, crooked teeth, crowns, dentures or fillings.
While traditional dentists are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health issues, periodontists specialize in the placement of dental implants and the diagnosis, treatment and medication of periodontal disease.
Therefore it’s very important to seek medical help from a professional!
