Periodontology is a branch of dentistry which deals with the study and treatment of structures supporting the teeth (periodont) or gums, bone and fibers that bind the tooth to the bone.
The enemy in our mouth is the plaque bacteria. Plaque is a colorless cluster of bacteria retained on the teeth, crowns, bridges and other tissues of the oral cavity. It causes deterioration of the supporting apparatus of the tooth, and if it is not removed, it causes jaw decay, the teeth become loose and start to fall out.
Periodontitis is the most common disease of the oral cavity after caries. More people lose their teeth in their 40s due to periodontitis, then due to caries. The causes of periodontitis can be very different, but the main cause is poor oral hygiene and bad habits such as smoking or teeth grinding. Some of the symptoms are: swollen gums, redness, gum recession, loose teeth, bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth. Most people do not recognize these symptoms and consider them normal.
In case of periodontitis you should immediately consult a dentist. According to the degree of dental disease, the dentist will determine the treatment method and explain the best treatment procedure. The therapy always begins by removing plaque and tartar plaque as major causes of illness. In addition, a complete cleaning of the gingival pockets is also necessary. In case the illness had progressed, the use of medication will be needed to supress the inflammation, and sometimes a surgical removal of the ill gums might also be necessary. If the treatment starts on time, the prospects for recovery are generally good.
When dealing with caries, good teeth and oral cavity hygiene is crucial and it is the best protection against periodontitis. Regular removal of tartar and plaque from the teeth surface should be left to an experienced dentist, and it would be advisable to do it 2 times a year in order for the prevention to be as efficient as possible.