21st Century Health

Periodontitis is said to begin as an infection of the tooth and spreads out throughout the root canal and the bones supporting the teeth. Usually, this occurs when the gums and teeth are inflamed or when the tooth has been traumatized. When chronic periodontitis becomes worse, the tooth starts to swell. If this happens, dental professionals will recommend cutting the defective gums and the harmed tooth needs to be extracted.

Acute periodontitis is classified into two types according to the liquid formed: one is serous, the type where lymph is formed; and purulent, when there is pus formed. In serous periodontitis, infection around the tooth is not evident. This often results when tooth is hit, when it undergoes orthodontic treatment, or when it is treated with arsenic. Oftentimes, the tooth is still normally alive and when the trauma is healed, periodontitis disappears slowly. Purulent periodontitis is more common as it progresses into an infection passing through the root canal and spreads to the bone supporting the teeth.

Purulent periodontitis goes through four phases of development. The first phase shows that the pus is only around the root tip of the tooth. When the tooth is tapped, there is dull pain felt which tends to increase. In the second phase, pus starts to pass through the bone and the pain felt becomes stronger. When the teeth are clenched, the tooth hurts even more. Symptoms are observed such as fever, headache, fatigue, and more.

The third phase is described to be the most severe pain felt by an individual. It is because the pus is now beginning to gather deep below the gums and the root tips while the tissue there are being stretched. The pain is vey intense so that the individual cringe at the slightest touch of the tooth. In the fourth phase, pus starts to spread through the tissues and reaches the mucous membranes surrounding the tooth. Although the pressure in the bone decreases abruptly and the pain simmers down, the cheek starts to swell.

The treatment of periodontal disease depends on what phase you are experiencing. It is essential not to treat the defective teeth on your own. Dental professionals try to eliminate the pus from the body and as much as possible, reduce the chances of damaging the bone, especially if the tooth can still accept treatment. However, if the tooth cannot be salvaged anymore, it should be removed. It is vital to visit your dentist as soon as changes are felt in the tooth otherwise periodontitis may become worse leading to extraction of the teeth. It always pays to take proper care of your teeth, gums, and the mouth cavity in general.

A lot of people have various problems about their gums, but not a lot of them know what the difference are and what degree is the seriousness of their periodontal disease. Here is a general guide on the difference in various levels that people experience when it comes to the state of their gums:

Healthy Gums

Gums have generally healthy coral-pink color and the gum line are at their normal range and hugs the teeth tightly with no gaps or abscesses. There is no pain felt and the gums do not bleed or appear to be swollen.

Gums with Gingivitis

The first stage of a gum problem usually starts with light bleeding when you brush your teeth, or put force to the gums. In some cases where the bleeding is more frequent and even with the slightest of force. In this case, the gums usually appear inflamed and may bring pain. The gums can also swell due to irritation and can appear as a flaming red or a bluish-red color.

This is the onset of possible halitosis or bad breath and as well as bad taste in the mouth occurs at this stage.

Early Periodontitis

This stage is where the bleeding, swelling and inflammation or irritation become even more pronounced. If the previous stage was mild, this stage would make the symptoms of periodontal disease starts to show more clearly.

The worsening starts at this stage where there is already visible signs that bacteria has wreaked its destructive path on the gums, leading to gum recession. This occurs when the gum line begins to pull away from its original place, looking tight and pulled back. Gum recession is  a clear sign of periodontal disease and should be looked into by a dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible.

Moderate-Advanced Periodontitis

Is even more dangerous, as the terrible chance of losing teeth can actually happen at this stage. At this point, there may be a pocket of about 3 mm wide between the teeth and gums in one place or another. The teeth may also develop gum boils or the abscess that was present in the Early stages continues to gradually enlarge as the bacteria piles up in the mouth

Gum recession is at the point of almost no return. The receding gums only continues and the roots of the teeth starts showing. As the roots are exposed, one may feel the pain from it being extra sensitive to different food temperatures