In most cases, the development of periodontitis begins with the formation of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky membrane made up mainly of bacteria. If you don’t treat the plaque, here’s how it may develop over time into periodontitis:
• Plaque is formed on the teeth when the starches and sugars in food interact with the bacteria that normally exist in the mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, but it quickly builds up again.
• Plaque may harden under the gum line and turn into tartar if it remains on the teeth. And tartar is more difficult to remove. You cannot get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing; You need a professional dental cleaning to remove it. Because plaque and tartar are full of bacteria, the longer they stay on the teeth, the more damage they can cause.
• Plaque can cause gingivitis, the simplest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is irritation and swelling of the gum tissue surrounding the base of the teeth. Gingivitis can be resolved with professional treatment and good oral care at home, if it is treated early, before bone loss.
• Constant irritation and swelling of the gums can lead to periodontitis. This eventually causes pockets to form between the gums and teeth. These pockets fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, and get deeper over time. If left untreated, this deep infection can cause tissue and bone loss. You may eventually lose a tooth or more. In addition, ongoing inflammation can stress the immune system, causing other health problems.
Symptoms
Healthy gums are strong and snugly tight around the teeth. The color of healthy gums can vary from person to person. It can range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include:
Swollen or swollen gums.
• Gums that are bright red, dark red, or dark purple.
• The gums that the person feels pain when touched.
Gums that bleed easily.
• The presence of a pink color on the toothbrush after brushing the teeth with it.
• Spitting up blood when brushing or flossing.
Bad breath that does not go away.
• Presence of pus between the teeth and gums.
Loose teeth or missing teeth.
• Feeling pain when chewing.
• The emergence of new spaces between the teeth that look like black triangles.
• Gums that move away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer than normal, and this is called gum recession.
• Change in the way the teeth join together when biting food.
