Periodontology: remove bacteria, improve overall health

The basics

Periodontitis is an inflammation of the dental bone, which is caused by an inflammation of the gums. As it develops gradually, it is often underestimated for a long time. If this inflammation is not treated, it spreads to the jawbone. Here it can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss, even though the tooth itself might be perfectly healthy.

More than 70 per cent of adults are affected by periodontitis; among seniors it is almost 90 per cent.

Symptoms are frequent bleeding gums, bad breath, reddened, swollen gums and pain when chewing. As a result of the constant inflammation the gums recede. The sensitive dental necks are exposed and react to cold, hot and sweet food and drinks.

The cause of periodontitis is usually a bacterial inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Contributing aspects are also a hereditary disposition and risk factors such as smoking, stress, diabetes and hormonal changes.

According to the latest findings, the progression of periodontitis depends on the type of bacteria in the gum pockets. These are often very aggressive, destructive of bone, infectious and hazardous to your health in general.

Treatment

In my practice, if you have periodontitis you will be well looked after, as I have concentrated on and researched the most effective approaches to treatment for around 27 years. If professional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene do not show any satisfactory results in the long run, I recommend laser treatments.

Using a laser we can gently remove the bacterial deposits from the gum pockets, sterilise the inflamed gums and stop the disease progressing. With the resulting sterility regeneration of the jawbone is stimulated at the same time. Many teeth can be saved this way alone.

Today we can prevent the deterioration of the tooth bone, the loosening of teeth or even tooth loss – this is no longer an inevitable fate.

By using lasers the periodontitis treatment is significantly easier, more thorough and especially virtually painless for the patient. There is no need for injections. Plus, the treatment can be carried out with no bleeding, conservatively, effectively and within a shorter time than with conventional procedures.

Tips:

To clean problem zones (spaces between the teeth and the gum line) use floss and interdental brushes.

With mini-brushes you can clean food debris and plaque properly from the intersection of tooth and gum. The main thing here is to use the correct size. Ask us for more information.

Giving up smoking lowers the risk of developing periodontitis. If there is inflammation already, further advance can be prevented and the treatment made easier. If you do not wish to give up smoking, the appropriate laser treatments can protect you from bone loss.