Periodontics is one of the most important specialties within dentistry, focused on the care and maintenance of the tissues surrounding the teeth: the gums and the bone. These tissues are the foundation on which the teeth rely, providing them with stability and support. This is why, since our establishment in 1999, at Clínica Periodent, periodontics has been one of our most important areas of specialization.
If the gums and bone that support the teeth are not properly cared for, they can become severely affected, potentially leading to the teeth falling out and being lost. Periodontal disease, also known as “pyorrhea,” is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults and affects both the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease includes two main conditions: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage, which manifests as inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis is a more advanced stage that affects the bone and can lead to tooth loss if not treated in time.
One of the most concerning aspects of periodontal disease is its silent nature. In many cases, especially in smokers, the symptoms are very subtle or nonexistent, meaning the patient may not realize they have a problem until it has advanced significantly.
How to Know if You Have Periodontal Disease
Often, the symptoms of periodontal disease go unnoticed or are mistaken for minor issues. This is why it is so important to regularly visit a periodontist for a detailed examination of your gums and dental bone. At Clínica Periodent, we have a specialized team that can detect and treat these problems early, before they cause irreversible damage.
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate you have periodontal disease:
- Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or reddened gums: Inflammation and redness are clear signs that something is wrong.
- Pain or discomfort in the gums: Sore gums may indicate a developing infection.
- Gum recession: If you notice that your gums have receded and your teeth look longer, you could be suffering from gum recession.
- Changes in tooth position: If your teeth have shifted or are separating, it could be a sign of bone loss.
- Food accumulation between teeth: If food gets stuck between your teeth more easily, it may be due to changes in the supporting structure.
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste can be a sign of gum infection.
Periodontics: Prevention and Treatment of Gum Diseases
Periodontics not only focuses on treating existing problems in the gums and bone but also promotes active prevention to maintain a healthy and balanced mouth over time. Regular visits to a periodontics specialist allow for a thorough evaluation of your gums and supporting tissues, detecting early signs of potential issues.
At Clínica Periodent, we believe prevention is key. Through regular checkups and the implementation of proper hygiene habits, it is possible to maintain healthy gums and avoid future complications. While issues like gingivitis may appear, with proper care and simple treatments, this situation can be reversed without major complications.
Proper oral hygiene and daily care play a fundamental role in gum health, and our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized recommendations to keep your mouth in the best possible condition.
Why is Periodontal Disease Silent?
One of the most dangerous aspects of periodontal disease is that it often presents no obvious symptoms, especially in smokers. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, meaning symptoms like bleeding or inflammation may be masked. This is why many people with this condition do not know they have it until they are in an advanced stage.
At Clínica Periodent, we are aware of the silent nature of periodontal disease. This is why we recommend that all patients, especially those with risk factors such as smoking, attend regular checkups to ensure their gums and bones are in good condition.
Do You Have Symptoms? Schedule an Appointment with a Periodontics Specialist
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above or have concerns about your gum health, we recommend scheduling a diagnostic appointment with our team of periodontics specialists. At Clínica Periodent, we have over 20 years of experience in treating and preventing periodontal diseases.
Remember, your gum health is just as important as your dental health. If your gums and bones are not healthy, your teeth lose their support and stability, which can lead to tooth loss. Don’t let periodontal disease progress without treatment. Visit us and ensure the well-being of your mouth and your smile.
