Warning: Over 90% of adults have periodontal inflammation without even knowing it

If you want to learn more about the causes and treatments of periodontitis, you can refer to the knowledge sharing video from the doctor here: 

1. What is periodontitis and why is it dangerous?

Periodontitis is one of the most common and dangerous oral diseases today. The disease occurs when the tissues that support teeth - including the gums, ligaments and alveolar bone - become infected with harmful bacteria. If not treated properly,periodontitiscan causeloose teeth,gum recession,bone loss and eventually complete tooth loss.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), periodontitis is classified as the "third disaster of humanity", only after cancer and cardiovascular disease. In Vietnam, statistics from the Central Institute of Odonto-Stomatology show thatmore than 90% of people over 35 years oldsuffer from periodontal diseases, of which periodontitis accounts for a very large proportion.

Not only causes tooth loss, the disease also seriously affects overall health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and even stroke. This is why we need to identify early, treat promptly and effectively prevent this dangerous disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), periodontitis is classified as "the third disaster of humanity", only after cancer and cardiovascular disease

2. Causes of periodontitis

Periodontitisis directly caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that sticks to the surface of teeth after eating and drinking. If not cleaned daily, plaque will combine with minerals in saliva to form tartar - an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

These bacteria secrete toxins, causing gum inflammation and gradually destroying the tissues that support teeth. Initially it is only mild gingivitis, but if left untreated for a long time, the bacteria will attack deeper into the ligaments and alveolar bone, leading toperiodontitis.

In addition, some factors that increase the risk of disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Stress and prolonged stress
  
  
• Nutritional deficiency diet
  
  
• Teeth grow crooked and crowded, making it difficult to clean
  
  
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis

3. Unpredictable complications of periodontitis

Periodontitis does not stop at causing tooth loss. If left untreated, it can lead to many dangerous complications that affect overall health.

Complications in the local and maxillofacial region

• Massive tooth loss:This is the most common and visible consequence.
• Abscesses around teeth and gums:Pus forms, causing severe pain and facial swelling.
• Maxillofacial cellulitis:The infection spreads to the soft tissues of the face and neck, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Osteomyelitis of the jaw:The infection spreads into the jawbone, causing pain, fever, swelling and can lead to bone necrosis.
• Jaw bone loss:Tooth loss due to periodontitis leads to jaw bone loss, changing facial shape, making it difficult for future dental restorations (implants, dental bridges).
• Very bad breath:Due to tissue decomposition and bacterial activity.

Periodontitis can cause complete tooth loss

Systemic complications 

• Cardiovascular disease:Bacteria from periodontitis and its products inflammation can enter the bloodstream, traveling to blood vessels in the heart and brain. They contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Diabetes:Periodontitis is a chronic infection that can increase insulin resistance, making blood sugar control in diabetics more difficult. On the contrary, people with diabetes are also more susceptible to severe periodontitis due to reduced resistance and poor healing ability.
• Respiratory diseases:Bacteria from the oral cavity can be inhaled into the lungs, causing or aggravating diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, especially in the elderly or people with weak immune systems.
• Pregnancy complications:Pregnant women with periodontitis have a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. weight.

4. Symptoms of periodontitis

Early detecting signs of periodontitis is the key to successful treatment and preventing complications.

Periodontitisoften progresses silently so it is easy to ignore in the early stages. However, patients can recognize it through some of the following signs:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or chewing
• Gums are swollen, red, soft and bleed easily
• Long-lasting bad breath
• Teeth are sensitive, feeling itchy on the gums
• Maligned bite
• Teeth begin to loosen slightly or recede
  

When you have the above symptoms, you should go to the dentist for examination and X-rays. Based on the examination and X-ray results, the dentist will determine whether you have periodontitis or not, the severity of the disease (mild, moderate, severe) and plan the appropriate treatment.

The gums are swollen, red, soft and bleed easily

5. Treatment methods for periodontitis

The goal of periodontitis treatment is to eliminate the infection, stop the progression of the disease, preserve natural teeth, and restore periodontal tissue health. Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease.

Mild cases (gingivitis)

At this stage, there is no deep damage to the ligaments or bones, treatment is relatively simple:

• Intensive scaling of teeth
  
  
• Instructions on proper oral hygiene
  
  
• Use antibacterial mouthwash if necessary
  
  

After about 1-2 weeks, the gums will return to a healthy condition.

In case of periodontitis Severe

When periodontal pockets are deep and bone loss occurs, the doctor may prescribe:

• Subgingival scaling:cleaning deep plaque in periodontal pockets
  
  
• Periodontic surgery:gum dissection to clean the entire damaged area
  
  
• Bone grafting, tissue regeneration:if the alveolar bone is severely resorbed
  
  
• Maintenance treatment:Regular check-ups to control bacteria and prevent disease recurrence
  
  

6. Effective prevention of periodontitis

Periodontitis is a completely preventable disease if you maintain good oral care habits and have regular dental checkups. Below are recommended preventative measures:

Brush your teeth properly

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush
  
  
• Use fluoride toothpaste
  
  
• Vertical, circular brushing technique to clean between teeth
  
  

Use dental floss and a water pick

Remove food and plaque in between teeth – where the toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss and water flossers are important support tools in preventing this condition.

Remove tartar every 6 months

Tartar cannot be cleaned by regular brushing. Regular dental scaling at the clinic will help prevent bacteria that cause inflammation around the teeth.

Orthodontics if teeth are misaligned

Crooked teeth make cleaning difficult, creating conditions for plaque to accumulate. If possible, you should have orthodontic treatment early to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Proper diet and lifestyle

• Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C
  
  
• Limit sugar, fast food and carbonated drinks
  
  
• Do not smoke
  
  
• Good control of systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
  
  

Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy

Pregnant women have a higher risk of gingivitis due to changes hormones.

Customers who do not clearly understand what implants are for Please contact Lac Viet Intech for detailed advice!

For detailed examination and advice on your dental condition, as well as early detection of the risk of periodontitis, make an appointment with a team of experienced experts atLac Viet Intech Dental Clinic today! 

• Website: https://lacvietdental.vn/

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