The branch of dentistry that we call "Periodontology" is the branch of science that examines the diseases, diagnosis and treatment methods of the supporting structures that form the environment of the teeth (bone, gum, cementum, periodontal membrane). Dentists who deal with this branch of science are called periodontologists. All the tissues surrounding the teeth are called "periodontal tissues".
HOW DO WE HAVE HEALTHY GUM AND PERIODONTAL TISSUES?
Healthy gums are a light pink, matte tissue that ends like a knife edge where it meets the tooth, and when dried, when viewed with the naked eye, it has roughnesses on its surface resembling those on an orange peel. Healthy gums wrap around the tooth like a collar in the neck area and form a groove surrounding the tooth. This structure, called the "gingival groove", deepens in the diseased tissue and plays a decisive role in the dentist's diagnosis of the disease and the determination of the treatment approach. Healthy gums do not bleed when brushing. The right toothbrush, the right brushing method, the use of dental floss and routine dental check-ups are required to protect this tissue.
HOW DOES DISEASED GUMS OCCUR?
Periodontal tissues become inflamed due to the accumulation of microbial plaque that covers the teeth. This bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of periodontal diseases (gum diseases), is a sticky, transparent layer that clings tightly to the tooth. There are 200 to 500 million bacteria in one milligram of plaque. When the plaque, which is harmless for the first few hours, reaches a certain thickness, the bacteria in it begin to synthesize toxic substances that cause inflammation, and these harmful substances produced lead to inflammation in the gums and tooth decay. Bacterial plaque is soft and colorless. Therefore, it cannot be seen until it reaches a certain thickness. It accumulates intensively between the teeth and at the gum-tooth border. Regular, careful and correct brushing of teeth every day can prevent accumulation in amounts that will harm the teeth and gums. Plaque in areas where the brush cannot reach, such as between the teeth, should be cleaned with dental floss.
WHAT IS DENTAL STONE (TARTAR) AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Tartar is a hard deposit that forms when dental plaque is not removed from the teeth and calcifies. When plaque calcifies, the bacteria in it lose their effectiveness and cannot synthesize disease-causing toxins. However, although this seems to protect the health of the gums, it is not as it seems. Since tartar has a rough surface, it creates a suitable environment for newly formed plaque to adhere to. Moreover, since the plaque accumulated on tartar can no longer be removed with a toothbrush and dental floss, it calcifies and becomes a part of the stone underneath after a while. Tartar continues to accumulate in this way. The result is that the symptoms of inflammation in that area appear more severely. The most obvious clinical symptom is 'Gum Bleeding'. Effective brushing, flossing and tartar cleaning once every 6 months are recommended to prevent tartar.
WHAT IS BLEEDING GUM A SIGN OF?
The majority of periodontal diseases (gum disease) are chronic inflammatory diseases and are usually painless. Therefore, periodontal diseases can be present in the mouth for many years and progress with few symptoms (slight bleeding, slight bad breath). Bleeding increases in proportion to the severity of gingivitis and is the most important symptom seen at every stage of periodontal diseases (gum disease). Tooth and bone loss can be seen in delayed dental check-ups. Therefore, routine dental check-ups are important.
WHAT IS BLEEDING GUM A SIGN OF?
The majority of periodontal diseases (gum disease) are chronic inflammatory diseases and are usually painless. Therefore, periodontal diseases can be present in the mouth for many years and progress with few symptoms (slight bleeding, slight bad breath). Bleeding increases in proportion to the severity of gingivitis and is the most important symptom seen at every stage of periodontal diseases (gum disease). Tooth and bone loss can be seen in delayed dental check-ups. Therefore, routine dental check-ups are important.
CAN GUM DISEASES BE PREVENTED AND CONTROLLED?
Periodontal diseases are diseases that can be prevented and controlled to a large extent. Treatment depends on good oral hygiene, correct and early diagnosis, and correct treatment approaches. Therefore, it requires the participation of both the patient and the dentist in the treatment.
