Periodontitis
A long-term presence of harmful plaque can lead to occurrence of gum inflammation (gingivitis). Chronic gingivitis gradually results in periodontitis which can cause loss of bone structure. Periodontal pockets are formed, in which harmful plaque can accumulate. In such cases the basic treatment is no longer enough and deep scaling is necessary as well as root planing under local anaesthesia applied by a dentist.
Do you have healthy gums?
Healthy
- gums have healthy light pink colour
- gum line hugs teeth tightly
- no bleeding
Gingivitis
- gums bleed easily when you brush or when probed gently during examination
- gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch
- possible bad breath and bad taste
- gum gets red and swollen
Early periodontitis
- gums may begin to pull away from the teeth
- bleeding, puffnes and inflamation
- bad breath and bad taste
- slight bone loss horizontaly on X-Ray
- pockets of 4-5 mm between teeth and gums occur in one or more areas
Moderate periodontitis
- teeth look longer as gums begin to recede
- bad breath and bad taste
- both horizontal and angular bone loss on X-Ray
- pockets between teeth and gums range from 4-6 mm
Advanced periodontitis
- gum boils or abscesses may develop
- teeth may become mobile or loose
- bad breath and bad taste are constant
- roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold
- severe horizontal and angular bone loss on X-Ray
- pockets between teeth and gums now in excess of 6 mm deep
Periodontal measurement
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