The appearance of healthy gums. Diseases of teeth and gums

The purpose of today's publication will be to familiarize yourself with various options development and consequences that can cause gum disease. The occurrence of pain may not be associated with the tooth itself. Very often, pain is a manifestation of one or another disease of the soft tissue of the gums. Our body is designed in such a way as to warn us in time and make us think about our state of health.

Through the manifestations of various symptoms, he conducts a dialogue with us, but we often lose sight of these signals, ignore them, giving the disease the opportunity to gain strength and strike at full force.

Unpleasant consequences can be avoided by consulting a doctor in time and starting treatment.

Diseases affecting the gums

If you ask an ordinary visitor to a dental office what gum diseases he knows, you most likely will not hear a clear answer. Even if he voices the name, few will answer how this or that disease manifests itself. It is difficult to imagine what this is connected with low level awareness of oral diseases among citizens. We can blame the schools, the lack of government orientation programs, but, first of all, we ourselves are to blame. It’s not for nothing that they say: informed means armed. This also applies to diseases.

But there are quite a few diseases from which gums suffer. They arise for various reasons and do not spare either children or the elderly. In adults over 35 years of age, the risk of developing such diseases increases significantly. The most common are:

• periodontitis;
• periodontal disease.

And each has different types. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

This is the same inflammation of the gum tissue. The disease affects the periodontal tissues and gum papillae, which you can see between your teeth. Most sufferers do not even suspect that they have a problem with their gums. As a rule, mild forms of gingivitis are determined during routine dental examinations and do not cause deep damage.

Main reason of this disease is a negligent attitude towards oral hygiene. We may not brush our teeth enough or even incorrectly. Neglect the use of dental floss and special rinses. After this, the appearance of plaque will not be long in coming. Plaque is nothing more than a collection of bacteria that feed on microscopic food debris. They feel great on uncleaned teeth. During their life activity, microbes, processing food, release a number of chemical substances, which negatively affect the condition of teeth and gums, inflaming them and causing discomfort.

Gingivitis can also have a traumatic origin, when a tooth that is not completely filled correctly will have constant contact with the gum, causing pain and redness.

Much less often, gingivitis can itself become a symptom of a more complex and dangerous systemic disease. Hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiency, immunodeficiency and oncological diseases provoke an inflammatory process in the gums.

There are several types of this disease and the symptoms that appear may vary slightly.

It is not difficult to overcome gingivitis in the early stages; it can be done at home and does not take much time. But advanced forms of the disease require mandatory consultation with a doctor and subsequent treatment. After determining the severity of the disease, the dentist will begin treatment with teeth cleaning. Only after complete removal plaque and hard deposits, we can talk about moving on to the next stage of treatment.

If the situation requires it, overgrown tissues and ulcerative lesions are removed, medication course treatment in the form of antibacterial rinses and applications with ointments or gels that promote healing and relieve inflammation.

Table. How to prevent the appearance of gingivitis - step-by-step instructions.

Steps, photo	Description of actions
	Minimize the amount of sweets you consume (candy, soda, and other high-sugar foods) to reduce plaque buildup on your teeth. Also, after each meal, rinse your mouth or drink a glass of water.
	Try to drink water as often as possible to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. You can aim for eight glasses daily to achieve better results.
	Stop smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. The fact is that when smoking, the likelihood of developing gum disease increases significantly. The same goes for chewing tobacco and hookah.
	You need to brush your teeth twice a day. The cause of gingivitis, as we have already found out, is dental plaque, which over time turns into stone that irritates the gums. In this case, the brush should be soft, and it should be changed every few months. If possible, purchase an electric toothbrush.
	Use dental floss (preferably waxed), because it can clean your teeth where a regular toothbrush cannot reach - for example, between the teeth.
	Use mouthwash. In this case, the liquid should be antiseptic, but without sugar. It is recommended to rinse for at least half a minute daily after brushing and flossing your teeth.
	Visit your dentist's office at least twice a year - a specialist will quickly identify the first symptoms of the disease and tell you what actions to take.

This disease affects periodontal tissue - that part of the gum that completely surrounds the tooth and root, preventing it from loosening and falling out. Periodontitis penetrates much deeper into the root of the tooth, destroying connective tissue teeth and gums with the possibility of damage to bone tissue.

Among the main signs of the occurrence of this lesion, the first is untreated and advanced gingivitis. Inadequate or lack of oral hygiene aggravates and accelerates the course of the disease. Provoking factors are often malocclusion, atypical form teeth and disturbance of mineral and vitamin balance in the body.

Nutrition plays an important role in this matter. Regular consumption of soft foods and the absence of hard vegetables and fruits in the diet do not put the necessary stress on the teeth. They not only stop self-cleaning, but also become covered with plaque.

Periodontitis is not a disease of one day, it does not develop at lightning speed and the responsibility for its occurrence lies entirely with the patient.

Periodontitis is manifested by one or more of the following symptoms:

• painful touch to the gums;
• swelling and hyperemia of the gums;
• the appearance of gum pockets;
• increase in interdental spaces;
• bad breath;
• increased tooth mobility and tooth loss.

Treatment of periodontitis will depend on at what stage the patient decides to seek help. If in the early stages it is enough to cleanse and relieve inflammation, then in later stages surgical intervention may be necessary. Do without medicines It definitely won't work. Very often, dentists resort to teeth. This procedure strengthens and prevents teeth from becoming loose.

This disease has some differences from the previous ones. Firstly, it is not associated with inflammatory processes in the gums. And secondly, it has a completely different etymology. Periodontal disease deeply affects the tissue around the tooth, causing it to atrophy and become unable to perform its function of holding the tooth in place. As a result, ignoring treatment, you can be left without teeth.

The occurrence of periodontal disease is associated with impaired blood circulation in the adjacent tissues. Over time, they lose elasticity and completely atrophy. The tooth root becomes visible and becomes infected with bacteria. This problem can be a manifestation of a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

Treatment of periodontal disease does not allow the use of decoctions and spells. Traditional medicine has the right to exist, but only in combination with complex drug treatment.

You should start with gentle teeth cleaning to remove plaque and in specialized clinics. At his discretion, the doctor prescribes a course of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. It includes solutions for rinsing and adding drugs in the form of ointments and gels, which causes relief. Unfortunately, these methods are not always effective, so you have to contact an orthodontist and prosthetist. Perhaps, at the cost of a pulled out tooth, it will be possible to save the rest. The course of the disease is individual and categorically does not accept self-medication.

Gum diseases in childhood

Problems with gums in children are very rarely systematic. They appear as a result of poor oral hygiene. Children often brush their teeth incorrectly, they are too lazy to do it for 3-4 minutes, and they have never even heard of dental floss. Regular visits to the dental office will allow you to timely detect the problem and begin treatment. The doctor, as a rule, limits himself to removing dental plaque, prescribing vitamins and recommending rinsing mixtures. Under sensitive parental control, the child soon gets rid of the problem.

How to protect yourself from gum problems?

Extremely Negative influence Alcohol and tobacco smoking have an impact on gum health. Ethanol, like nicotine, causes blood vessels to narrow, which leads to malnutrition of the gums and teeth. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, you have to say goodbye to bad habits.

Follow proper nutrition. Eat more hard foods. They naturally cleanse and strengthen teeth. Limit your intake of sweets.

Be responsible when choosing a toothbrush. It should help, not harm. Use toothpastes as recommended by your dentist. Use dental floss to clean between your teeth.

Don't forget to use mouthwash. They have an antiseptic effect and complement the effect of a toothbrush and floss. They are indispensable when traveling when brushing your teeth is not possible.

Traditional methods to protect gum health

Let's not forget that treatment with folk remedies has its own indications and contraindications. If a tooth falls out, you cannot persuade it to stay in place. I myself have never done this and would not advise you to self-medicate. There are often cases when, with deep damage to the gums, people begin to rinse with herbal decoctions and flower infusions and feel relief. Which is logical. External inflammation has been removed, a certain analgesic effect has been achieved, but the problem remains. This is the worst thing. While a person lives quietly, the disease spreads and treatment becomes even more difficult.

But this does not mean that from the funds traditional medicine worth refusing. IN complex therapy it has proven its effectiveness more than once. Dentists' favorite herbs - sage, chamomile and calendula - perfectly relieve inflammation and heal microtraumas.

In the end, I would like to wish all readers beautiful smiles and healthy gums. Keeping them healthy is not that difficult. But you've already read about this. It would be great if you liked my article and let me know in the comments. As always, don't forget to tell your friends and subscribe for updates!

Video - Gum Diseases

A sparkling smile and snow-white teeth attract attention with their beauty. indicates the overall health of the body. And the shamans of ancient Sumeria believed that only those with strong teeth could communicate with spiritual deities.

Gum problems

An experienced dentist will help determine the causes of the negative phenomenon. He will explain that oral diseases can be caused by a number of factors:

1. Incorrect care. Poor brushing of teeth, irregular use of rinses and dental floss, and inability to handle a toothbrush lead to contamination of the enamel.
2. Mistake when selecting dental care products. Remember that the paste must contain the necessary components for strengthening and not contain substances that are aggressive to the enamel. The bristles of the toothbrush are selected according to the type of gum care needed and the density of the teeth.
3. Microbes that enter the body through food intake.
4. Frequent consumption of coffee.
5. Weakened immunity provokes the development of oral diseases.
6. Unbalanced diet. Lack of vitamins received.
7. Taking medications with side effect of this direction.
8. Smoking.

Periodontitis and periodontal disease

Gum problems such as periodontitis and periodontal disease are the most common. In addition, they are also very dangerous for humans. The tissue at the base of the tooth is called “periodontal”, which is where these diseases get their name. In the early stages, their symptoms may be similar. And sometimes it doesn’t manifest itself at all, which is why 80% of the population develops the disease. By the way, it leads to exposed necks and displacement of teeth. It could all end in their loss. Periodontitis is accompanied by painful manifestations and purulent deposits at the neck of the tooth. It occurs as a strong inflammatory process.

At first, an invisible problem with the gums is periodontal disease. With this disease, the patient may not have any complaints. A slight sensation of itching and periodic sensitivity to hot and cold do not encourage visiting a dentist. But if treatment is not started in a timely manner, the consequences can be too dire. Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss.

Stomatitis

But that's not all gum problems. Don't forget about stomatitis. It occurs due to the entry of microorganisms into the oral cavity, which the immune system perceives as malignant. The disease manifests itself in the form of abscesses on the oral mucosa and gums. In chronic stages it leads to inflammation of the gum tissue and purulent formations. Symptoms disappear within a week without the use of medication. If there are frequent remissions, you should consult your doctor. The manifestation of stomatitis can be caused by disorders of internal organs, the presence of a herpes infection or allergic processes.

Gingivitis

A clear symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums. At the beginning of the disease, it may not be noticeable during the morning toilet. Only when eating can you detect a slight taste of blood. Problems with gums appear as their sensitivity increases and they become loose. Gingivitis can be caused by disorders endocrine system. It is often accompanied by inflammation lymph nodes under lower jaw or middle ear. Less commonly, medication may be the cause. Microorganisms deposit the objects of their vital activity on the integument of the oral cavity and accelerate the inflammatory process. Bad breath appears, the gums recede, plaque and stones form. The person's condition is getting worse. The gums become hypersensitive.

Gums gumboil

Caries and pulpitis in advanced stages destroy the tooth so much that purulent discharge swells the gums. Another cause of swelling can be a poorly sealed canal, into which infection penetrates with clogging and provokes an acute abscess. Disorders caused by periodontitis also lead to poor bonding of the tooth to the gum, opening the way for purulent gumboil.

Gum problems: treatment

The treatment algorithm for any gum disease begins with a diagnosis and clinical examination. A detailed anamnesis reveals to the doctor the essence of the disease, identifies the causes and influences the choice of methods for eliminating the problem. Examinations that must be carried out: x-ray of the root canals to detect holes in the dental bone, blowing with air - it will help find damaged areas and indicate the sensitivity of the tooth enamel, examination by a specialist.

To treat most gum diseases, it is necessary to eliminate the cause, which lies in the infection. This happens with the help of medications and the selection of antiseptic dental care products. In advanced cases, physical therapy is necessary to restore the soft tissue of the gums. For diseases such as gumboil, the only option is to remove the tooth that caused the disease. After this, the gums are incised, cleaned of pus, and then filled with a medical preparation with a restorative effect. To prevent repeated openings of the canal, the place is sealed with a seal.

Folk remedies for the prevention of gum disease

Do you have a problem with your gums? What to do? Of course, go to an experienced specialist! But you should remember that treating gums at home is impossible. After all, the wrong approach will lead not only to complications, but also to tooth loss. Only prevention is possible. Only a doctor can identify gum problems and prescribe appropriate treatment.

It is generally accepted that any herbs relieve gum inflammation and eliminate pain. But dentists say that oak bark infusions have a bad effect on the structure of the dental bone, forming microcracks. At the same time, a solution of salt and soda will quickly relieve pain and swelling of the gums. The first component has antiseptic abilities and fights infections.

Infusions of chamomile, sage, and St. John's wort also help get rid of harmful oral bacteria without destroying the tooth. You need to take 3 tbsp. spoons of each component, mix and pour hot water. Bring to a boil in a steam bath, let it brew for 40 minutes. Strain and rinse twice a day. And propolis and tar can be rubbed directly into the gums or added to rinsing infusions. You can also use the following for rinsing: kefir (its bifidobacteria will help fight harmful microbes), carrot juice (acts as a gum strengthener), aloe juice diluted with water.

Causes during pregnancy

Can gum problems occur during pregnancy? Yes, and this happens very often. Pregnancy is a time of change. Any mother tries to protect her body from harmful external influence. The immune system weakened. The body, working with double load, is unable to fight inflammatory processes in the mouth. The reasons why gums suffer during pregnancy are as follows:

• Lack of vitamins and microelements.
• Excessive hormonal activity. It leads to changes in pH balance and acidity throughout the body.
• Emotional sensitivity. Stressful situations make all organs vulnerable.
• Eating large amounts of food of one type (sweets, pickles, flour products).
• Ineffective care. During pregnancy, women become overly cautious. Some, seeing blood on the brush, begin to brush their teeth more carefully, without washing away all the remaining food and germs. Or they cancel one of the dental bone cleaning procedures altogether.

Treatment and prevention of gum disease during pregnancy

Treatment of gum disease during pregnancy is necessary. Medical worker During a routine inspection, he will easily detect violations and prescribe the necessary measures. Removing the stone with equipment that is not harmful to pregnant women and using various antiseptics will help preserve the teeth until they can be treated. To prevent gum disease, you need to eat fresh fruits and hard vegetables (carrots, apples). This not only helps to obtain vitamins, but also produces massotherapy peri-cervical dental areas.

Children's oral diseases

The tiny body of a child undergoes a number of painful changes in the process of its formation. One of the biggest challenges for the whole family is teething. The gums become swollen and vulnerable. In addition, children may suffer from periodontitis, gingivitis, and childhood stomatitis. Diseases manifest themselves in the same way as in the adult population.

The causes of violations may be:

1. Hereditary factors.
2. Problems with the endocrine system.
3. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Immune diseases.
5. Lack of vitamins necessary for a growing body.
6. Physiological malocclusion is one of the causes of gum problems. She should be seen by a specialist.
7. Babies often taste the whole world, so unwanted microbes get into the oral cavity.

Signs of bacterial growth in the oral cavity will be the color of the tooth bone, bad breath and complaints of itchy gums. To prevent gum problems in children, the following prevention is necessary:

• Compliance with all rules for brushing teeth. Children do not use the brush very carefully during the morning toilet. Parents should be taught to brush all areas of the teeth, pointing the bristles down from the base of the gums.
• Preventing germs from toys or other items that might get into your mouth.
• Using special “chewing” rattles with massaging elements during teething. They improve blood circulation in the gums and relieve pain.
• Controlling the amount of sweets eaten.
• Checking food temperature. Cold or hot food negatively affects delicate gum tissue.
• Safety measures to prevent injury.

Hygiene products for oral care

Various problems with gums are very unpleasant and fraught with consequences (photos of diseases can be seen in any medical reference book). To avoid them, remember that you need to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth at least twice a day. If possible, it is recommended to do this after each meal, since caries most actively affects the enamel during the first 20 minutes after eating.

Comprehensive care will be provided by a brush, silk floss for cleaning the spaces between teeth, and a medical toothpick. The rinse aid fights unpleasant odors caused by bacteria and their waste products. It will help get rid of unwanted pests in the most difficult to reach places.

Gum disease competes with tooth decay. They are found quite often and have varieties. We try to keep beautiful teeth and forget about our gums. This is our main mistake, healthy gums ensure healthy gums. Let's take a closer look at gum disease and its treatment.

Type of gum disease

When pinpoint lesions form around a tooth, this inflammation is called gingivitis. The disease is acute and chronic stage. Gingivitis is divided into types: catarrhal, hypertrophic, atrophic, and ulcerative-necrotic.

Causes of the disease

Endogenous (associated with internal factors of the body):

• weak immunity
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract system
• tuberculosis
• vitamin C hypovitaminosis
• presence of diabetes mellitus

Exogenous (acting from the outside):

• physical (burns, injuries)
• chemical (irritation with aggressive substances)
• biological (bacteria)

Iatrogenic: due to the doctor's fault.

Symptoms of gum disease

In acute cases, tissue swelling and pain may occur, and ulcers may appear. In a chronic course, the picture clinical manifestations erased, there may be an overgrowth of gum tissue that reaches the tops of the teeth.

• With the catarrhal type, the gums are red and swollen, sensitive to cold and hot.
• With ulcerative-necrotizing gingivitis, a foul odor, ulcers, pain appear, and the temperature rises.
• With the hypertrophic type, the gum papillae grow rapidly and cause pain when eating.
• With the atrophic type, the gum “fades away” and the tooth root is exposed.

Periodontitis

This is a consequence of untreated gingivitis. Main symptoms:

• Gingivitis (superficial);
• There is a discomfort when chewing;
• The presence of periodontal pockets, and purulent discharge in them;
• Pain near the neck of the teeth.

Stages of periodontitis

Tooth mobility has three degrees:

• swaying back and forth;
• swaying back and forth and left and right;
• plus they move up and down.

Consequences of untreated periodontitis:

• The development of pulpitis, due to the penetration of infections through the dental canals into the pulp.
• Development of osteomyelitis due to the action of pus-forming bacteria. Bones and surrounding tissues are affected.
• Development of abscesses.

Treatment methods for periodontitis

• Massage with fingers or using a device. When stroking and rubbing, blood circulates more actively, improving nutrition in the tissues. This compensates for the development of periodontal disease.
• Darsonvalization. Used in gum pockets when there is no pus in them. The doctor uses high and low wave current on the affected areas, which reduces sensitivity and normalizes blood circulation.
• Vacuum therapy. An artificial rupture of the surface capillaries occurs and hematomas are formed. When it resolves, the body's defenses are activated. With such procedures, atrophic processes can be completely stopped.
• Electrophoresis. Medicines are administered under the influence of direct currents. Prescribed for complex forms of the disease. Vitamins, 3% copper sulfate and zinc are used. Helps reduce bleeding, swelling and itching.
• Curettage of periodontal pockets. This is scraping out altered tissues or deposits from pockets. If the depth is more than 5 mm, closed curettage is performed with anesthesia. If periodontitis is severe, the gums are dissected. This method allows you to reduce the depth or completely close small pockets. Further, for prevention, it is necessary to repeat the procedure once a year.

Surgery. It is used when medications and physiotherapy are ineffective. Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Varieties surgical treatment: implantation on the damaged area healthy tissue; application of a membrane between the gum and bone tissue (stimulates the restoration of healthy tissue; gingivectomy - the edge of the gum is excised. Surgical operations are emergency help, after which the patient should perform hygiene procedures more carefully and go to the dentist three times a year.

• Splinting. Used for loose teeth. There are removable and permanent ones. Removable ones are more popular; they are convenient for oral hygiene. Tires do not spoil diction and do not deliver discomfort, do not interfere with the beauty of your smile.
• Implantation. In advanced cases of periodontitis and periodontal disease, the only correct treatment option is dental implantation. In order for the implant to hold, there is no need for a ligament; once established, the bite is stable, the chewing load is uniform, this leads to the normalization of metabolic processes in bone tissue.

Gum disease is a protracted process; it cannot develop overnight. Periodontitis, even in very unfavorable conditions, develops in no less than 1.5 years, and if the inflammation is minor, it will take even longer. Periodontal disease - in general a rare event. Its severe symptoms can be noticed 15 years after the onset of the disease. During this time, it is easy to notice the first alarm bell.

Video

Preventive measures for gum disease

It is easier to prevent a disease than to painfully treat it later.

Prevention of these gum problems is very simple; children with early age. You just need to take care of your oral cavity.

1. Carry out proper brushing of your teeth every day, select a brush of the necessary hardness for you (the dentist will help).
2. Use dental floss regularly.
3. The diet must be balanced. It is not recommended to consume flour, sweet, and spicy foods in moderation. Increase your consumption of raw vegetables and fruits. Monitor the temperature of the food (eating too cold or too hot is harmful).
4. Stop smoking. Substances that enter the oral cavity during smoking constrict blood vessels, thereby impairing blood supply and contributing to the development of periodontal disease.
5. In addition to toothpaste, use special rinses and gels for teeth. They inhibit the growth of bacteria and have antiseptic properties, some can strengthen gum tissue.
6. Visit your dentist regularly (at least once a year).

According to the World Health Organization, by the age of 65, every third person on the planet is missing at least one natural tooth. In most cases, this is neglect of personal hygiene. They turn to the doctor when the disease has reached its apogee, when the roots are exposed and pus is constantly secreted. It is no longer possible to restore such tissue. Don't let your teeth sink in critical condition, in the early stages it is possible complete cure. Health to you!

Video

Many people are too concerned about the beauty of their teeth, overlooking an equally important, but insidious and dangerous problem - gum disease. Although dentists have long proven that among the pathologies of the oral cavity they seriously compete with carious lesions.

According to medical statistics, in 50% of cases of tooth loss, the problems were caused by gum disease in adult patients. It is necessary to consider which gum problems are the most common, by what signs they can be recognized in time, and also talk about existing treatment methods.

What are gum pathologies?

Depending on where exactly the inflammation is localized, gum disease may belong to one of several groups, within which there are several varieties of each pathology.

Gingivitis

So, this is called a point inflammation of the soft tissue of the gums around one specific molar. The pathology is acute and chronic form and several varieties - atrophic, ulcerative-necrotic, catarrhal and hypertrophic. Regardless of how severely the gums become inflamed, the process does not directly affect or destroy dental tissue, so treatment of this pathology does not pose a problem. It is important to notice the symptoms of the disease in time and begin therapy, otherwise gingivitis is fraught with the development of periodontitis.

Periodontitis

This disease is manifested by the destruction of the supporting dental apparatus, causing the gum tissue to gradually move away from the molar, exposing its neck. Bacterial plaque accumulates inside the formed pocket and an infection develops; these processes are provoked by food debris getting stuck inside.

There is soreness of the gums, their bleeding and swelling. The pus accumulated in the periodontal pockets comes out; if pressure is applied to this area, the teeth gradually become loose and fall out if treatment is not taken. The acute phase of the pathology is manifested by fever, malaise, nausea, chronic fatigue.

Periodontal disease

This disease becomes the next stage after periodontitis if its treatment is not started in time. Here, too, the damage to the supporting part of the tooth continues, but the process is accompanied by a disruption of the blood supply to the soft tissues of the gums. The gaps between the molars increase, and the root collars become completely exposed. With periodontal disease, one gum rarely suffers; usually the process affects two jaws at once.

The gums don't swell or become red, they just slowly erode. If you ignore the signs of disease, you can even lose healthy teeth.

A person’s teeth and gums are closely related to each other, so problems with one structure lead to the development of diseases of the second

For each of the described pathologies, a risk group for its development is identified. For example, children, adolescents and women during pregnancy are more susceptible to gingivitis due to sudden hormonal changes in the body. Periodontitis is more common in adult patients, and periodontal disease mainly affects older people.

You can see what the signs of the listed pathologies look like in the photos posted on dental websites. How older age human, the greater the disturbance of metabolic processes in the tissues and cells of the body, including the gums. However, each of the pathologies is often provoked by reasons that are not related only to the patient’s age.

Causes of diseases

The causes of gum disease are often hidden in improper and irregular oral care. If a person is not used to brushing his teeth twice a day, using rinses and dental floss after meals, he independently creates a favorable environment in the mouth for the growth of bacteria. Due to the active growth and reproduction of microorganisms, soft plaque turns into hard, yellow-brown tartar.

The gums weaken and become inflamed; infectious processes leading to gingivitis. The situation is aggravated by hormonal imbalances in the body, which are observed in women and adolescents; the pathology also more often manifests itself in people with uneven fillings, installed braces and dentures as a result of injuries, burns and damage to the mucous membrane.

If you do not take care of the gums at this stage, inflammation begins to spread to the surrounding periodontal tissues. Thus, periodontitis appears - chronic inflammation of tissues, which is a consequence of gingivitis, which a person did not want to cure in time. The risk group for the development of pathology includes patients with malocclusion that interferes with the natural cleaning of molars. Also, problems with gums are caused by a lack of vitamins of groups A, C, E, P, K, D and the entire group B.

Periodontal disease has its own stages and causes - it begins with deterioration of blood circulation in the gum tissue, then aggravated by loosening of teeth and the inflammatory process, ending with the loss of healthy molars. The situation is more complicated in patients with diabetes mellitus, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, pathologies of the stomach and intestines. Dentists also say that periodontal disease is often caused by heredity.

Healthy teeth and gums must be preserved, since these structures are very sensitive to the condition of the body as a whole. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms attack humans every day, and when weak immunity and chronic diseases affect not only the internal organs, but also the oral cavity.

Symptoms

What types of gum diseases exist and for what reasons they arise is now clear. It remains to figure out how to understand in time why the gums hurt, a sign of what pathology it could be, and whether such a condition is considered normal.

On initial stages There are practically no symptoms of gum pathologies - a person sometimes notices a small amount of blood while brushing his teeth, but does not attach any importance to it

Then, blood discharge appears during meals, and a person’s mouth begins to smell unpleasant - all these are signs of developing gingivitis, and if gum disease is not treated on time, obvious symptoms will appear. These include intense bleeding, exposure of the root necks of teeth, pain reactions to cold, hot and sweet food, formation of gum pockets with accumulation of bacterial plaque.

Further, when a sufficient amount of plaque accumulates in the pockets, it begins to harden, and it will no longer be possible to remove it on your own. The visible part of the molar crowns becomes longer, they themselves begin to move and tilt - if no action is taken at this stage, the teeth begin to fall out. When periodontitis enters the acute phase, a person’s general condition deteriorates sharply - the temperature rises, the gums look swollen and hyperemic, and purulent contents are released from them. The tooth near the affected area hurts and becomes mobile.

With periodontal disease, such symptoms are not observed for a long time, and the teeth remain stable until the last moment. The disease does not affect your well-being in any way, progressing evenly and almost unnoticeably. Gradually, the gums recede, which gives the teeth a wedge-shaped shape, the enamel changes color and becomes covered with erosion. It is impossible to independently diagnose periodontal disease without a medical examination and x-ray examination.

Symptoms of gum disease in children are pronounced - the child’s temperature rises, he feels weak, and loses his appetite. With stomatitis and gingivitis, painful pustules appear on the surface of the mucous membrane. However, parents immediately notice these signs and begin adequate treatment under the supervision of a doctor, so there cannot be any among children dangerous pathologies gums, also due to age and absence of chronic diseases.

Treatment options

What gum diseases there are became clear, as well as their causes and symptoms. What to do and how to treat existing pathologies will be decided only by the doctor, since self-therapy with the help folk recipes may be effective only for prevention or as an adjunct to primary therapy. In cases where the symptoms of the disease are visible to the naked eye, self-medication tactics will only waste time and lead to the progression of problems.

The treatment procedures that the doctor chooses depend on the cause, type of disease and its stage. The range of dental care today is quite wide - ranging from professional cleaning teeth, ending with surgery

Professional cleaning

This procedure allows you to clean your teeth from hard deposits and microbial film. If previously scraping was carried out manually, now hardware methods are increasingly used - ultrasound, laser and sandblasting. At ultrasonic cleaning The device is equipped with a special tip that creates a vibration wave. During the process, a stream of water is applied to it so that the tip does not overheat and cause a burn to the mucous membrane.

After the procedure is completed, the surface of the teeth is polished and a layer of gel with an antimicrobial effect is applied to them.

Sandblasting is indicated for patients with mild bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums, and also, if necessary, to get rid of coloring pigment. Cleaning the surface of molars, polishing and whitening is achieved through high pressure, under which a mixture of water and small dispersed particles is supplied. This technique is contraindicated in acute inflammatory processes of the gums, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Hardware treatment

The most popular procedures in the field of periodontology are the procedures for cleaning periodontal pockets using machines. The devices allow you to get rid of various pathologies accompanied by hard dental deposits; they polish and grind the surface of molars and cervical areas. They are also capable of processing non-metallic prostheses, which greatly facilitates their operation. Hardware techniques are very effective for the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

In order to relieve gum inflammation, reduce swelling and eliminate redness, dentists prescribe ointments that have an antimicrobial effect:

• Metrogil Denta;
• Cholisal gel;
• Kamistad gel;
• Asepta;
• Solcoseryl.

These drugs are indicated for mild inflammatory processes, for example, gingivitis, since penetrating into the tissues of the mucous membrane, they do not touch bone structures. Therefore, when serious illnesses periodontal, such gels have only a hygienic purpose. If the root cause of periodontitis and periodontal disease is not identified and eliminated, the inflammation will recur again and again.

Antiseptics for the treatment of gum diseases

For gum disease accompanied by stomatitis and other symptoms bacterial infections, dentists recommend Actovegin ointment - it helps eliminate microbial flora and tighten scars and ulcerative formations.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy methods are used in dentistry for the treatment of acute periodontal diseases or in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease, such as additional ways. Today, several types of procedures are considered the most popular and effective:

• Electrophoresis - medications are injected into the affected gum area by applying direct current. In the treatment of periodontal disease, electrophoresis is indicated at the recovery stage, when the cause of the disease has already been identified and the main therapy has been carried out. Medical practice confirms that the most effective drugs for gum disease are ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid– they accumulate in cellular tissue, gradually restoring the strength of blood vessels, reducing signs of oxygen starvation and restoring the mucous membrane. Procedures with aloe extract, saline solution and zinc sulfate in 3% concentration are also effective.
• Darsonvalization– exposure to alternating high-frequency current and low-intensity current allows you to reduce the sensitivity of mucous tissue and normalize its blood supply. The procedure is indicated in the absence of accumulations of pus in periodontal pockets.
• Gum massage is carried out both manually and with hardware. During the massaging process, blood circulation in the gums is improved, metabolic processes and cell nutrition. The procedure does not help to completely cure periodontal disease, but it is a good help in compensating for the disease.
• Vacuum therapy– during the procedure, a special pump equipped with a tube ruptures the capillaries located on the surface of the gums, forming a hematoma. This helps to activate the body’s defenses for its resorption, receiving additional nutrition for periodontal cells, as a result, tissue atrophy stops.

The number and duration of physical therapy sessions is determined by the attending physician. Procedures such as gum massage and electrophoresis are indicated not only during treatment, but also at the stage of subsequent prevention of gum disease.

Curettage of periodontal pockets

This procedure is based on scraping out from the cavity of periodontal pockets accumulations of hard and soft deposits, as well as tissues that have been modified under the influence of inflammation. There are two types of procedure:

• closed curettage - performed when the depth of the pockets does not exceed 5 mm, the patient is advised local anesthesia;
• closed curettage – recommended for patients with complex pathologies, when it is necessary to cut the gum tissue to gain access to the altered root area of ​​the tooth.

Curettage of gum pockets - before and after

Carrying out curettage allows difficult cases reduce the size of gum pockets to 4 mm, and in the initial stages - get rid of them completely. To maintain healthy gums in the future, it is recommended that the patient cleanse the pockets of microbial plaque at least once every 12–24 months.

Surgery

The intervention of a maxillofacial surgeon is envisaged in cases where antibiotic therapy, curettage, cleaning and physical treatment have failed positive results. The doctor decides to perform an operation in order to stop the process of destruction and prevent the loss of healthy teeth. One of the most common methods is implantation epithelial tissue healthy gums to the area where the gums are destroyed.

A special membrane is placed between the gum tissue and bone to stimulate recovery. muscle tissue and bone regeneration. To remove periodontal pockets that are too deep, the gingival margin is excised, where the greatest accumulation of hard plaque occurs - a procedure called gingivectomy. Also, maxillofacial surgeons widely practice flap operations, which, in essence, resemble open curettage, the only difference being the depth of penetration.

Surgery is not a panacea for periodontal diseases, but an emergency measure that allows this moment stop tissue destruction. After the intervention, the patient is indicated for treatment and Attentive attitude to gum health. It is recommended that he visit the dentist at least once every 3 months.

Splinting

During splinting, rigid removable or permanent frames are placed that will hold the teeth as still as possible. Even if the dentition moves, it will only move in one direction, and not in different directions. Removable splints are much preferable, since the patient will be able to carry out full hygiene procedures and receive therapeutic treatment. However, they can only be installed in cases where only 3–4 molars in a row are missing.

The procedure is recommended for patients suffering from advanced stages of periodontitis, as well as periodontal disease, with signs of severe loosening and loss of several teeth

If the entire row falls out, non-removable structures are installed - they also have a great advantage; when chewing or biting hard food, the load is distributed evenly. The use of dental splints does not affect the quality of sound pronunciation, does not cause discomfort during conversation, eating and sleeping, and also does not cause aesthetic disadvantages.

If the patient suffers from periodontitis with inflammation, treatment is indicated before installing a splint.

Implantation

This procedure is considered the only one possible to preserve the gingival contour and stop the atrophy of gum tissue if the patient suffers from advanced forms of periodontitis and periodontal disease. To hold the implant in place, a periodontal ligament is not needed; during the procedure, the stability of the bite is restored and the chewing load is regulated, which allows normalizing metabolic processes in bone tissue.

Preventive actions

Prevention of gum disease should not begin only when the patient has undergone surgery; it must be timely and prevent the transition of periodontal pathologies to severe forms. To prevent gum disease you need to:

• brush your teeth regularly, using a toothbrush of the required hardness, use mouthwash and dental floss after meals (if the patient does not know what to choose, the dentist will always come to the rescue);
• eat right, limit the consumption of flour, fried, sweet and spicy foods, introduce more vegetables, fruits, proteins into the diet;
• quit smoking - under the influence of nicotine, the vessels located in the gums narrow, which leads to impaired blood supply and the development of periodontal disease;
• apply antibacterial rinses and gels, if the first signs of gum damage are noticeable - they will remove the microbial flora where this cannot be done Toothbrush;
• visit dental office at least once every 6 months.

It must be remembered that the prevention of periodontal diseases, as well as timely access to a doctor for treatment, is in the hands of the patient himself.

It is sometimes impossible to restore severely damaged tissue; the dentist can only temporarily stop the atrophy process. Therefore, you should not be negligent about your own health in order to regret it later. Gum diseases do not appear instantly; many of them take years to develop, as is the case with periodontal disease.

If the pathology is not accompanied by severe inflammation, a person may simply not notice it, which increases the period of development of the disease several times (some diseases last up to 15 years practically asymptomatically). Therefore, it is necessary to visit the dentist regularly, even if it seems that there are no problems with the gums - the doctor will see what an ordinary person cannot see with the naked eye, and will take action in time by prescribing the necessary treatment.

The problem of gum disease can affect anyone, regardless of age. The onset of the disease may seem insignificant and harmless - slight redness of the gums or bleeding when brushing your teeth. Diseases of the oral mucosa in children and adults are a rather serious problem, and it is not always possible to get rid of it in one visit to the dentist.

Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor promptly when the first symptoms occur and begin treatment. Taking care of your gums is no less important than taking care of your teeth. Maintaining healthy gums is necessary not only for the oral cavity, but also for the entire body as a whole. A description of the names, symptoms and treatment can be found in this article.

Signs of healthy gums and common causes of disease

What are they like - healthy and well-groomed gums? Gums in a healthy state are not blue or red, but have an even pale pink color. The periodontal tissues appear without signs of swelling and redness. There is no pain, bleeding or discomfort when brushing your teeth. The absence of a bad odor and a constant bad taste in the mouth can also indicate healthy gums.

Currently, the factors that cause diseases of teeth and gums are known (see also: dental diseases: photo with description). There are two main criteria for gum problems. These include:

1. Common reasons. This group includes diseases circulatory system, hormonal disorders, hypovitaminosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Local reasons. These include pathologies of the frenulum of the tongue, malocclusion, tartar and hard plaque on the surface of the teeth.

Very often, inflammatory processes occur as a result of improper care of teeth and gums. Due to irregular, insufficiently thorough brushing of teeth or the wrong choice of oral care products, active proliferation of microorganisms occurs. Thanks to their vital activity, soft plaque over time can turn into hard interdental deposits that injure the mucous membrane. The infection, getting to the injured areas, provokes the appearance of the disease.

The causes of inflammation can be the consequences of damage from incorrectly installed fillings or dentures that are not selected according to size. Quite often, the pathological process can develop as a result of thermal or chemical burns of the oral mucosa. As a result of injury, it sometimes happens that the frenulum is torn or damage to the mucous membrane occurs. An open wound can become a source of infection if antibacterial treatment is not timely.

Classification of gum diseases, their symptoms and principles of treatment

Gum diseases are divided into several groups, depending on the location of inflammation and the stage of the disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory infectious diseases, most often they develop in pregnant women, children and adolescents (we recommend reading: gingivitis in children: symptoms and treatment methods with photos). When gingivitis develops, the dental tissues are not affected, only the mucous membrane around a particular tooth becomes inflamed.

With periodontitis, the ligament between the bone and the tooth is destroyed, and the supporting apparatus loses its functions. As a result, a kind of pocket appears in which food particles accumulate. Bleeding, swelling of the mucous membrane appears, increased sensitivity gums (we recommend reading: how to reduce gum sensitivity at home?). Periodontitis can cause tooth loss that becomes dislodged and loose.

Periodontitis occurs due to inflammatory diseases oral cavity and is a complication of periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a problem mainly for older people who have reduced vascular conductivity and impaired blood supply to tissues.

Gingivitis: inflammation of the gum lining

Gingivitis occurs due to the accumulation of plaque and food debris in hard-to-clean areas and interdental spaces. Most often, inflammation occurs due to insufficient oral care. Gingivitis affects dentin, periodontal and gingival papillae. Signs of the disease: red or blue gums, swelling, pain when brushing your teeth. Gums may bleed and may cause unpleasant odor from mouth. Types of gingivitis are divided into:

1. catarrh;
2. gum hyperplasia;
3. ulcerative-necrotic stage.

Catarrhal inflammation occurs due to poor hygiene, but pain makes it impossible to carry out. The doctor performs professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial solutions for several days. As an addition, electrophoresis and hydromassage are used, which show good results in the treatment of gingivitis.

Hypertrophic gingivitis is a chronic continuation of the acute form. Factors in the development of hyperplasia can be: traumatic bite, reaction to taking certain medications, hormonal disbalance, dysfunction of the endocrine system.

Ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane can be a stage of gingivitis, or arise as an independent pathology. The infection occurs against the background of active proliferation of microorganisms in the interdental spaces due to poor oral hygiene.

Treatment of gingivitis occurs in several stages. First, the specialist eliminates dead periodontal tissue using anesthesia. Then the mucous membrane is treated with antimicrobial agents. A comprehensive treatment is prescribed, which includes treatment with antiseptic and antimicrobial drugs.

Periodontitis: inflammation of the gums

Called periodontitis chronic illness, which affects not only the gums, but also all periodontal tissues. There is a destruction of the fibers of periodontal tissues that hold them together bone tissue and tooth. Mobility of teeth appears and increases, and their loss is possible. Symptoms of periodontitis depend on the severity of the disease:

1. the mild form is characterized by the formation of a bone pocket about 3.5 mm deep;
2. with an average degree, periodontal pockets reach 5 mm;
3. severe form - the depth of the bone pocket is more than 5 mm.

In mild forms, bleeding occurs when brushing teeth and discomfort while chewing. Then gum bleeding may begin spontaneously, patients try to avoid talking and even skip meals. With the development of severe periodontitis, the appearance of putrid smell, tooth mobility becomes more pronounced, and tooth loss is possible. See the photo for more details.

Curing periodontitis is not easy, but it is quite possible. The course of treatment includes the prescription of medications, surgical procedures and orthopedics. The specialist removes hard dental deposits and pathologically altered tissues, after which he granulates the bone pockets. Drug treatment gum disease includes taking antibiotics, immunomodulators and rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions.

Periodontitis: consequences of the spread of the inflammatory process

What is periodontitis? This is the development of a pathological process in the area of ​​the ligamentous tissue of the tooth, as a result of which suppuration forms inside. When the disease becomes chronic, clear symptoms may be missing. This can be misleading; the absence of pain may be regarded by the patient as the cessation of the disease. If the inflammatory process is started, the spread of infection continues. Treatment of periodontitis comes down to elimination inflammatory process tooth root.

Periodontal disease: age-related changes in the gums

Gum disease in old age causes a lot of inconvenience for patients. Over time, the function of the blood supply to the oral mucosa is very often disrupted. As a result, symptoms such as damage to tooth enamel and bone tissue, receding soft tissue of the gums, and pallor of the mucous membrane appear (we recommend reading: receding gums: how to lift them when the neck of a tooth is exposed?). In severe forms of periodontal disease, teeth may become loose and fall out.

Treatment of periodontal disease is aimed at stopping the pathological process and stabilizing general condition patient. After a comprehensive examination, dental plaque is cleaned. After which the doctor prescribes a vitamin-mineral complex and the use of medicated toothpastes.

Cysts and microtraumas

The causes of cysts are: advanced caries or pulpitis, poorly healed root canal, periodontitis. The presence of microtraumas, hypothermia and poor hygiene aggravate the development of pathology. The growth of a cyst on the gum can provoke the formation of a fistula - an opening through which purulent contents are released. Treatment in this case can be surgical or therapeutic. Drug treatment is carried out if the disease is at early stage. Antimicrobial, decongestant and wound-healing drugs are prescribed. For elimination pain syndrome use drugs from the group of analgesics.

Solving problems in the dentist's office

An experienced specialist will help you get rid of problems with your gums and teeth. First of all, a diagnosis is carried out, as well as the necessary examination. If necessary, the doctor prescribes laboratory tests, and based on their results, a treatment plan is determined. To remove hard dental deposits, ultrasonic cleaning or a method is used Air Flow.

Air Flow Treatment

You can get rid of plaque with professional cleaning at your dentist's office. Under high pressure the air-water jet is directed to the required area. Gentle and thorough cleaning occurs thanks to the abrasive filler in the mixture. The advantage of this method is the destruction of solid deposits in hard-to-reach places.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Ultrasound cleaning remains one of the most effective, safe and painless methods for removing plaque and formations on teeth. A special feature of the method is the use of high-frequency sound, which has a destructive effect on hard formations on the teeth. The procedure is prescribed as an addition to massage and rinsing for gum inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

To prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to carry out laboratory tests. A smear is taken from the mucous membrane to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics. The duration of the course of antibiotic therapy is from 7 to 10 days. Depending on the patient’s condition, the timing can be adjusted by the attending physician. The use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels gives good results.

Surgical intervention

Surgical procedures are performed in case of formation of a fistula or cyst. The bone fragment is removed, the wound is washed, and temporary drainage is installed. For periodontitis, root canal treatment is performed. In the event that a root filling was installed previously, it is possible to use surgical intervention. The dental cavity is opened and dead areas of the pulp are removed. Then the root canals are cleaned, washed and dried. After eliminating the inflammation, the canals are filled. To control possible exacerbation, it is recommended to carry out x-ray examination every three months.

Electrophoresis

To obtain a more effective treatment result, a course of physiotherapy and electrophoresis using medicines. Electrophoresis is the administration of drugs with a special device that acts on the mucous membrane using direct current. Electrical impulses facilitate the introduction of the drug into tissues that are otherwise inaccessible.

The use of folk remedies

Oral diseases can also be treated with folk remedies. Very popular essential oils, which have antibacterial, soothing and anesthetic properties. Rinsing your mouth with a decoction of oak bark has a healing effect. Scurvy can be cured with a decoction of lingonberries and calamus root. It is necessary to rinse your mouth with warm broth after each meal. The use of any traditional medicine must be agreed with the attending physician.

Disease prevention measures

Help prevent dental and gum diseases regular visit dentist and careful oral care. It is necessary to follow simple rules to avoid gum problems:

1. eat foods rich in proteins and vitamins;
2. use high-quality brushes for dental care;
3. Massage your gums daily with a brush to improve blood circulation.