Gum Diseases (Periodontal Diseases)
Oral and dental health is a concept not limited merely to the whiteness or straight alignment of teeth. The health of the supporting tissues that surround the teeth, connect them to the jawbone, and provide their nutrition is just as vital as the teeth themselves. This support system, referred to in medical literature as the “Periodontium” (gum, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament), can be the target of various bacterial infections.
Gum Diseases, which have a high prevalence in society, are often noticed late due to their insidious progression structure and constitute the number one cause of tooth loss when left untreated. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental, providing preventive medicine services in Kırklareli and its surroundings, meticulously applies current scientific protocols regarding the protection of periodontal health and the treatment of diseases.
Basic Mechanism of Periodontal Diseases
The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem hosting hundreds of types of bacteria. In cases of insufficient oral hygiene, these bacteria combine with proteins in saliva and food residues to form a sticky layer called “microbial dental plaque” on tooth surfaces. Plaque is the main cause of the formation of Gum Diseases. If this plaque is not regularly removed by brushing and flossing, it combines with minerals in saliva over time, hardens, and turns into “tartar” (calculus). Tartar creates a rough surface where bacteria can adhere more easily and mechanically irritates the gum tissue.
The body’s defense mechanism responds to this bacterial attack with “inflammation.” This response manifests itself with redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. If the process is not brought under control, the infection spreads to deep tissues and the bone, aggravating the Gum Diseases picture.
Classification of Gum Diseases
Periodontal diseases are basically examined in two main stages according to the severity of the infection and the tissue depth it affects: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
- Initial Stage: Gingivitis
The earliest and mildest form of periodontal diseases is called Gingivitis. At this stage, the infection has only affected the soft tissue (gum); there is no loss in bone tissue or connective tissue yet.
In the Gingivitis picture, the gums lose their healthy coral pink color and take on a red, edematous, and shiny appearance. The most prominent symptom is bleeding seen during tooth brushing or flossing. Patients generally do not feel pain, which may cause the disease to be neglected.
However, Gingivitis is a reversible condition. With professional tartar cleaning and good oral hygiene, tissues can completely regain their former health. Untreated Gingivitis can turn into Periodontitis, a more destructive form, over time. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental physicians emphasize that interventions made at this stage are the most valuable step in terms of preventive medicine.
- Advanced Stage: Periodontitis
The condition where the infection progresses from the gum to deep tissues and the bone supporting the tooth begins to melt is called Periodontitis. At this stage, the natural groove between the tooth and the gum deepens and turns into pathological spaces called “periodontal pockets.” Bacteria settle into these pockets and become uncleanable by brushing.
Periodontitis causes the fibers holding the tooth to break and the destruction (resorption) of the alveolar bone. As the disease progresses, gums recede, root surfaces are exposed, and teeth begin to wobble.
The aim in Periodontitis treatment is to stop the disease and preserve the existing tissue; however, it may not always be possible to fully regain the lost bone tissue. Surgical interventions may be required in Periodontitis cases. Within Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental, detailed radiological analyzes and treatment plans are made for such advanced cases.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
The warning signs that patients should pay attention to in this group of diseases that progress silently are:
- Bleeding: Bleeding gums while brushing, eating hard foods, or spontaneously. (Healthy gums do not bleed).
- Color and Shape Change: Red, bruised, swollen, and edematous gums.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Stubborn and unremovable bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
- Gum Recession: Teeth appearing longer than they are and exposure of root surfaces.
- Wobbling Teeth: A symptom of advanced Periodontitis.
- Displacement of Teeth: Opening of gaps between teeth and change in closure.
- Discharge: Inflammatory discharge coming out when pressing on the gum margin.
Risk Factors
Although bacterial plaque is the main cause, there are some risk factors that accelerate the development and increase the severity of Gum Diseases:
- Smoking: Smoking impairs the blood supply to the gum tissue. This prevents defense cells from going to the region and masks the disease (bleeding is not seen). The risk of Periodontitis is much higher in smokers, and the response to treatment is lower.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are genetically more prone to Gum Diseases. People with early tooth loss in their family are in the risk group.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause make gums more sensitive to bacteria. Gingivitis can exacerbate especially during pregnancy.
- Systemic Diseases: Uncontrolled diabetes, leukemia, and immune system diseases directly impair gum health.
- Medication Use: Some blood pressure medications, epilepsy medications, and immunosuppressants can cause gum overgrowth (hyperplasia).
- Stress: Weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s power to fight infection.
Relationship with Systemic Health
Current research has proven that there is a strong link between Gum Diseases and general body health. Bacteria in periodontal pockets and the inflammatory mediators they produce can be transported to other parts of the body via blood circulation.
- Heart Diseases: Increased risk of heart attack and vascular occlusion has been observed in chronic Periodontitis patients.
- Diabetes: While diabetes increases gum infection, gum infection also makes blood sugar control difficult. There is a bidirectional relationship between the two.
- Pregnancy Complications: In mothers with advanced gum infection, the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies may increase.
Therefore, Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental considers periodontal treatment essential not only for oral health but also for the protection of general systemic health.
Diagnostic Methods
Correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. The physician measures the pocket depth between the tooth and the gum with special instruments called “probes.” While this depth is 1-3 mm in healthy gums, it is 4 mm and above in the presence of Periodontitis. Additionally, bone level and the type of bone loss (horizontal or vertical) are evaluated with panoramic x-rays. While Gingivitis diagnosis is usually made with clinical examination, radiography is a must to see bone loss.
Treatment Methods and Stages
The aim of periodontal treatment is to eliminate infection, stop the progression of the disease, and provide the patient with effective oral care habits.
- Phase I Treatment (Initial Treatment)
It is the first step in the treatment of all Gum Diseases.
- Patient Education: Correct brushing, flossing, and interdental brushing are taught to the patient.
- Scaling (Detertraj): Hardened plaque and tartar on the tooth surface are cleaned with ultrasonic devices.
- Root Planing (Curettage): It is the process of scraping and smoothing bacterial toxins and necrotic tissues adhering to root surfaces under the gum with special hand instruments. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.
This stage is usually sufficient for recovery in Gingivitis cases. However, it is applied as pre-surgical preparation in Periodontitis cases.
- Phase II Treatment (Surgical Treatment)
Surgical intervention is required in cases where deep pockets do not become shallow with initial treatment and bone resorption is advanced.
- Flap Operation: Gums are surgically lifted to expose root surfaces and bone defects. Inflamed tissues are cleaned.
- Regenerative Procedures: It is aimed to recreate lost tissues by placing bone powder (graft) and barrier membranes in areas with bone loss.
- Gum Recession Treatment: Exposed root surfaces are covered with connective tissue patches (grafts) taken from the palate.
- Maintenance Treatment (Preventive Phase)
Regular check-ups of the patient after treatment are vital to prevent the recurrence of the disease. In Atlas Sea Dental protocols, patients in the risk group are followed up in 3-6 month periods.
Laser-Assisted Gum Treatments
With the development of technology, laser devices have started to be actively used in periodontology. Laser energy is used to kill bacteria in periodontal pockets (disinfection), selectively remove inflamed tissue, and accelerate healing (biostimulation). It offers a less painful and faster healing process compared to traditional methods. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental integrates laser technology into treatment protocols in appropriate cases, increasing patient comfort.
Regional Approach and Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental
With the increasing awareness of oral and dental health in the Thrace region, the demand for the treatment of gum diseases has also risen. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental is in a central position for periodontal health for patients in the region. The clinic stands out not only with treatment-oriented but also with educational activities aimed at preventing the disease.
Exhibiting a sensitive approach especially regarding the periodontal follow-up of diabetic patients and pregnant women, the clinic adopts a multidisciplinary treatment understanding (in cooperation with other medical branches). The fact that a disease caught at the Gingivitis stage can be treated with simple cleaning, while a case that has progressed to the Periodontitis stage requires complex surgeries, is explained to patients in detail.
Gum Diseases are preventable and treatable diseases. However, the reason why they are called “silent killers” is their insidious progression without causing pain. A drop of blood seen while brushing teeth is the body’s cry for help and should never be neglected. Healthy gums are structures that are pale pink in color, pitted like an orange peel, and tightly wrap the tooth. The deterioration of this structure brings not only the risk of tooth loss but also general health risks.
It should not be forgotten that even the most expensive and beautiful porcelain teeth can only exist on healthy gums and bone. If the foundation (periodontium) is not solid, no restoration made on it can be permanent. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental physicians remind that the foundation of a healthy smile passes through healthy gums and recommend regular dental check-ups every 6 months. Using your own teeth for a lifetime is possible with the value you give to your gum health.
