[Health Column] Periodontitis, More Frightening Than Cavities: From Symptoms to Treatment and Prevention, Explained by a Periodontist

 

Hello! I am Dong-guk Son, the Chief Director of Toktok Plant Dental Clinic. 😊

 

Have you ever experienced bleeding while brushing your teeth, been bothered by bad breath, or felt that your teeth were sensitive or loose?

 

Many people dismiss it lightly, thinking, "It's probably just because I'm tired," but if you have these symptoms, whether big or small, Periodontal disease has already started It can be seen as.

 

Periodontal disease is an oral condition that becomes more frightening than cavities as you age. This is because, if it worsens, it becomes the biggest cause of premature tooth extraction.

 

Today, I will explain step-by-step what periodontitis is, why it is easy to miss the timing for treatment, and how to prevent and manage it. ✏️

 

 

✏️ What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

👉🏻If the inflammation is only in the gums, it is gingivitis; if it spreads to the gum bone, it is periodontitis.

 

Periodontal tissue refers to the gums and alveolar bone surrounding the tooth roots. Periodontal disease is divided into two stages depending on the extent of inflammation.

 

👉🏻Gingivitis: A stage of simple inflammation confined to the gums.

 

👉🏻Periodontitis: A stage where inflammation has progressed to the gum bone due to a lack of management.

 

If periodontitis worsens, the gum bone erodes, causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. This is why the time and cost required for recovery differ completely, even though it may appear to be the same 'gum disease.'

 

The main cause of periodontitis is bacteria, and alcohol, smoking, dietary habits, family history, and systemic diseases such as diabetes can accelerate its progression.

 

 

✏️Why is it easy to miss the timing for treating periodontitis?

👉🏻Gums are insensitive to pain, so if you judge based on symptoms alone, it is already too late.

 

The gums are tissues that are insensitive to pain. Therefore, it is common to not feel distinct pain until inflammation has progressed significantly.

 

In reality, there are quite a few people who visit the hospital when their periodontitis has already progressed significantly.

 

👉🏻Symptoms are too late: If you experience bleeding gums, pain, or worsening bad breath, please be sure to get tested.

 

👉🏻Catch it when it's small: Rather than delaying your dental visit out of fear of treatment, it is better to visit frequently and address it at a small stage before it becomes a major issue.

 

All three burdens are reduced: the physical, mental, and financial burdens are lighter the earlier you start.

 

Among the patients I see in the clinic, there are very many who say, "I thought I was fine because I hadn't felt any pain." However, the absence of pain does not mean that the gums were healthy; rather, it is closer to saying that the gums sent their signals late.

 

Therefore, it is better to think of periodontal disease as a condition to check before it causes pain, rather than a condition to visit only when it hurts.

 

If you notice even one of the following changes, we recommend that you check it at least once.

 

• Blood comes out on the toothbrush or dental floss when brushing teeth.
• Even after brushing my teeth, I quickly become self-conscious about my bad breath again.
• My teeth have become sensitive to cold water or cold air more frequently.
• My gums have receded, making my teeth look longer or giving the impression that there are gaps between them.
• When chewing with a specific part, force is not applied or it shakes slightly.

 

✏️ How is periodontitis treated?

It starts with scaling and is usually divided into 4 to 5 sessions depending on the condition.

 

Treatment for periodontitis begins with scaling to remove tartar and inflammation deep within the gums. Depending on the condition, it can usually be carried out over 4 to 5 sessions.

 

As treatment progresses, symptoms of gum swelling and bleeding will subside. The depth of the periodontal pocket decreases.

 

In moderate to severe cases where inflammation persists or alveolar bone damage is significant, surgery may be required to incise the gums, remove infected tissue around the tooth roots, and suture the area. In some cases, gingival reshaping to restore receding gums may be performed concurrently.

 

Post-extraction implants are the last resort considered when the tooth absolutely cannot be saved.

 

The best goal of dental treatment is to help patients maintain and use their natural teeth for a lifetime without having to have them extracted due to periodontitis.

 

 

✏️ The best cure is prevention. How can it be managed?

👉🏻The key is thorough brushing that takes a long time, rather than short and frequent brushing.

 

Periodontal disease can easily occur in anyone, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth extraction. The key to prevention is meticulous oral hygiene.

 

It is important to brush your teeth thoroughly, even if only once a day, taking sufficient time and using gentle force to clean every nook and cranny.

 

Unlike cavity prevention, where brushing immediately after eating is important, The key to preventing periodontal disease is thorough brushing that takes a long time. The difference is that...

 

👉🏻 Auxiliary products are not optional: Please be sure to use dental floss or an interdental brush for areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.

 

👉🏻 Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption: Have a greater impact on gum health than you might think.

 

👉🏻The same applies even after treatment: If you stop care after treatment is finished, inflammation will recur in the same spot.

 

The scaling cycle varies from one month to one year depending on an individual's oral hygiene status and the severity of symptoms. It is recommended to confirm the appropriate cycle for you during your check-up.

 

 

 

🔹 FAQ: We'll answer your questions!

Q1. I bleed when brushing my teeth. Is it periodontitis?

A1. Bleeding gums, bad breath, and sensitivity or looseness are typical signs of periodontal disease.

If you experience these symptoms, it can be considered that periodontal disease has begun, to varying degrees, so please undergo an examination to determine whether you are at the gingivitis or periodontitis stage.

 

Q2. If I receive treatment for periodontitis, will it be cured in one go?

A2. Treatment begins with scaling and can usually be divided into 4 to 5 sessions depending on the condition.

If management is difficult with non-surgical treatment, surgery is performed to improve the condition of the gums.

 

Q3. My teeth are sensitive after periodontitis treatment. Is something wrong?

A3. During the treatment process, gum recession may occur, causing tooth sensitivity, exposed tooth roots, or increased food trapping.

This is a natural change that may occur during the treatment process, and you can minimize discomfort by following the medical team's instructions.

 

Q4. Can I receive periodontal treatment even if I have high blood pressure or osteoporosis?

A4. It is possible, but prior consultation is important.

Patients with hypertension require caution regarding the use of anesthetics and may need to consult with their attending physician, and if you have been taking osteoporosis medication for a long time, it is important to check your medical history due to the risk of inflammation during tooth extraction.

Please be sure to inform us of any pre-existing conditions and medications you are currently taking before treatment.

 

🔹 Conclusion: Don't miss the small signals your gums are sending.

 

If your oral health deteriorates, you will lose the daily pleasure of chewing and tasting food. Since pain from periodontal disease often appears late, management during the asymptomatic period and regular checkups are of the utmost importance.

 

✅ Remember!

• Gingivitis is inflammation that has spread to the gums, while periodontitis is inflammation that has spread to the gum bone.
• Gums are insensitive to pain, so it is already too late to judge based on symptoms.
• Treatment begins with scaling and is divided into 4 to 5 sessions depending on the condition.
• The key to prevention is thorough brushing that takes a long time and the use of auxiliary products.
• The scaling interval varies from person to person, so please be sure to check during your check-up.

 

The essence of medical care pursued by Toktok Plant Dental Clinic lies not merely in successfully implanting the teeth, but in helping patients preserve their natural teeth as much as possible so they can use them for a lifetime.

 

Please do not miss even the slightest signals from your gums. If you experience any discomfort, we recommend that you do not delay in getting a check-up to assess their condition. Please resolve any questions you may have through a consultation with our medical professionals. 😊

 

Smart Implant Dental Clinic

Chief Director Son Dong-guk

 

Ministry of Health and Welfare certified periodontist

Seoul Science High School Early Graduation

Graduated from Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry

Seoul National University Dental Hospital Intern

Resident in the Department of Periodontology at Seoul National University Dental Hospital

2010-2012 Attending Physician, Implant Treatment Center, Seoul National University Dental Hospital

2018 Osstem AIC implant course faculty

Certified by the Korean Academy of Periodontology

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Periodontology

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Dental Implantology

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology

Possessing over 17 years of extensive clinical know-how in implant treatment

Possesses numerous cases in the field of complex total implants and maxillary sinus lifts