Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases caused by the presence of micro-organisms in dental plaque between the gum and tooth. They are common (regardless of age), and are most often silent and discovered during a visit to the dentist. Periodontal disease can cause destruction of the gums. It is composed of tissues supporting the tooth: gum cementum, ligaments and alveolar bone. The only way a person can prevent this disease from happening is practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental visits at a Dental Clinic in Kent.
Gingivitis affects half of adult subjects. It is most prevalent in children and adolescents though. This is characterized as an inflammation of the gums, which is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria clusters organized into a biofilm that adheres firmly to rough inorganic surfaces. A poorly maintained mouth is an ideal habitat for the growth of bacteria. Clinically, bleeding of the gums is a great sign symptom of gingivitis. A feeling of irritation of the gums is sometimes perceived, as well.
Antibiotics are rarely prescribed
Gingivitis is the obligatory passage to periodontitis. All subjects with gingivitis do not evolve into periodontitis, but this disease is a risk factor. Periodontitis affects between 20% and 50% of adults in industrialized countries. It affects, not only the gums, but also the ligaments that joins the tooth to the surrounding bone, and the bone itself. A major consequence of periodontitis is the complete destruction of bone tissue, and thus the loss of the tooth. Scheduling routine visits to your local Dental Clinic in Kent can help ensure that periodontitis never reaches this state.
Besides symptoms already described for gingivitis, signs of infection are observed between the gingiva and the tooth (micro-abscesses) or mobility and/ r migration of the latter. Periodontal abscess resulting in a gingival swelling with localized infection are sometimes present. But it is mainly the formation of “pockets” between the gum and the tooth that is a characteristic of periodontitis. Covington Smiles Dental Clinic will base their diagnosis on the detection of these periodontal pockets and the extent of their depth using a ball probe inserted painlessly between the gum and the tooth.
