Dental health problems go far beyond the cavities most of us are familiar with and can cause many other issues. In fact, diseases like periodontitis can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. But what are these consequences? What is periodontitis? How does it develop? What are its treatments? If you want to know the answer to these and other questions related to the topic, read our article to the end!
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in Brazil and one of the main causes worldwide. Many people confuse it with gingivitis, but it can be considered a progression of that disease or even a more advanced stage of it. Periodontitis is a disease that is relatively easy to prevent, yet we still see millions of cases occurring every year. Besides a lack of information about proper oral hygiene habits, there is also a social factor that makes people with fewer resources more likely to develop this type of disease, as they often lack access to the necessary materials or even information about disease prevention.
Causes of Periodontitis
As we previously mentioned, periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is not properly treated. This disease is the result of poor oral hygiene, which causes tartar to accumulate excessively and reach below the gum line—the so-called subgingival tartar. When this problem is not treated, it causes inflammation, which in turn leads to gingivitis. In a more severe case with no treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a much more serious and harder-to-treat disease.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
A person may suspect periodontitis when experiencing the following symptoms:
- Extremely red or purple gums
- Swollen gums
- Spontaneous gum bleeding
- Persistent bad breath
Despite this, it is essential to see a dentist to be certain of the diagnosis and to ensure the disease is treated correctly.
Risk Factors
Although it is a disease that evolves from another, there are several risk factors that can contribute to its development, such as:
- Having gingivitis
- Genetic predisposition
- History of dental problems
- Use of certain medications
- Lowered immunity caused by other diseases
- Diabetes
- Advanced age
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Poor diet
- Having undergone chemotherapy sessions
- Smoking
Naturally, maintaining proper oral hygiene habits helps prevent the disease, but if you have any of the factors listed above, it is easier for the disease to develop. 
Treatments for Periodontitis
Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated, although it isn’t a simple process. There are basically two ways to treat it:
- Periodontal Scaling
- Periodontal Surgery
We’ll explain how each is done and show in which situations they should be used.
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal scaling is actually used to treat the earlier stage of the disease, gingivitis; that is, it can be considered a way to prevent periodontitis. This treatment involves using devices like ultrasonic instruments and periodontal curettes to eliminate subgingival tartar that causes the disease. It can be uncomfortable for many people, but it is generally very effective and relatively quick.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery becomes necessary when tooth structures are compromised, such as the ligaments and bones that hold them. It involves removing parts of the gum tissue so a thorough cleaning can be performed. After everything is complete, a dentist may place bone grafts, proteins, or even soft tissue to prevent the person who underwent the surgery from suffering the aesthetic problems it may cause. While not a very complex surgery, several precautions should be taken, especially during the postoperative period, to ensure its success.
Consequences of Periodontitis
The main consequence of periodontitis is total tooth loss caused by the extreme weakening of their supporting structures. However, alongside this, other problems can arise, such as low self-esteem due to tooth loss, socialization problems, and even, in more severe cases, diseases like depression. Therefore, if someone reaches the point of losing their teeth due to periodontal disease, it is important for them to seek therapy with a psychologist to avoid more serious problems from developing.
How to Prevent Periodontitis?
The main way to prevent periodontitis is by maintaining good oral hygiene. This means visiting the dentist regularly (at least once every 6 months), brushing your teeth after every meal, when you wake up and before you go to bed, as well as using items like dental floss and mouthwash. Maintaining these habits helps you avoid not only periodontitis but also various other problems that may arise, such as cavities and root canals, for example. Periodontitis is a disease that can cause a range of problems in our lives, problems that go far beyond just our dental health. Even so, preventing this disease can be quite simple and effective. So, our main tip here is for you to follow all recommendations to prevent periodontitis to the letter and thus avoid the disease bringing more severe consequences. Although there are treatments, they should only be used when there is no other alternative. Your oral health is also the health of your entire body. Taking care of it means taking care of your life, too. Remember that. See also: Pancreatic Cancer
