Dr. Huba Papp – Haris Dentistry Budapest
Parodontal (periodontal) disorder is an endemic: besides caries, it counts as the main source of tooth loss. A disease of adulthood, its occurrence is drastically intensified with age. People aged 30-40 can already witness serious complaints, women especially more frequently.
The periodontal disease develops surreptitiously and is very rarely accompanied by pain, unlike caries. Though not a conspicuous symptom, gum bleeding may occur at times. Movable,wobbly teeth are signs of telltale periodontal degeneration. An untreated disease may lead to loss of more - even all - teeth.
As soon as any periodontal disease can be suspected, it is crucial that we see our dentist! There are countless ways s/he can treat and stop our gum- and periodontal degeneration and prevent the loss of our teeth.
What are the causes of periodontal diseases:
- most frequent reason: plaque and tartar covering the teeth (bad oral hygiene), lack of plaque removal
- improper diet: hectic – and carbonhydrate-rich meals
- hormonal reasons (pregnancy, critical age)
- abnormal teeth, teeth congestion, bite disfunctions
- illnesses (diabetes, metabolic- or immune diseases etc.)
- smoking, alcohol
- drugs (immune suppressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, etc.)
- stress
- bruxism (tooth grinding)
- mouth breathing
- suppressed emotions, agression, lack of self-confidence
- other (tongue- or lip piercing)
Symptoms:
- oedemic, swollen gum
- gum bleeding
- bad breath
- lost gingival bonding, bags
- receding gums
- teeth becoming sensitive to cold, warmth, sweet or touch
- chewing sensitivity
- tooth losening, tooth loss
Prevention and treatment
- thorough oral hygiene: proper use of tooth brush, floss and interdental brush
- dental check twice annually, professional oral hygienic cleaning (approx. 1 hour)
- regular and healthy diet (See: Lifestyle recommendations for periodontal patients)
- giving up harmful habits (smoking!), removal of piercings
- treatment and cure of bruxim (tooth grinding during sleep)
- correct breathing (through the nose instead of the mouth)
- dealing with spiritual factors (self-knowledge, relaxation, yoga, therapeutical help etc.)
- oil pulling
- homeopathy
- antroposofic medicines, injection cures
- herbal mouth rinsing: walnut leaf, sage, tormentil root (Potentilla erecta), propolis
- keeping limbs (especially the feet) warm; never go to bed with cold feet