Recommended periodontal disease dentists

What are periodontal diseases?

Periodontal diseases affect the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone. They begin with the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar on the gum line, usually due to a lack of proper oral hygiene. Gingivitis, the initial form of the disease, causes inflammation in the gums, resulting in redness, swelling, and bleeding, and is reversible with proper treatment. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the bones and ligaments, leading to bone loss and, in advanced cases, tooth loss. Early treatment is essential to avoid complications and maintain oral health.

How do periodontal diseases affect your oral health?

Periodontal diseases compromise both the teeth and the tissues around them. Initially, gingivitis causes inflammation in the gums, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding. Progression to periodontitis affects the ligaments and supporting bones, which can result in bone loss and tooth mobility.

The evolution of the disease can compromise masticatory function and smile aesthetics, harming both functional health and appearance. In addition, untreated periodontal diseases can cause persistent bad breath and make chewing difficult, impacting your quality of life. Early diagnosis by a specialist is crucial to preserve your oral health in the long term.

Current classification of periodontal diseases

The classification of periodontal diseases was updated in 2018, offering a more precise and personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. Periodontitis is now divided into four stages of severity:

Stage 1

Characterized by mild bone loss (1 to 2 mm), without significant compromise of dental function.

Stage 2

Presents bone loss of 3 to 4 mm, requiring more intensive treatment.

Stage 3

Presents bone loss greater than 5 mm, with risk of tooth loss and impact on masticatory function.

Stage 4

Characterized by significant tooth loss and compromised masticatory function, requiring more complex surgical treatments.

This classification allows for more targeted treatment according to the severity of each patient's condition.

The relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health

Recent research reveals a strong connection between periodontal diseases and various general health conditions. Chronic gum inflammation can aggravate problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders.

Bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, causing inflammation in other parts of the body. During pregnancy, periodontal diseases are associated with premature birth and low birth weight babies. Studies also suggest that periodontal problems may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

This bidirectional relationship between oral and general health reinforces the importance of maintaining healthy gums as part of comprehensive health care.

How do dentists treat periodontal diseases?

Dentists specialized in periodontal diseases have the necessary knowledge to diagnose and treat these conditions accurately. Treatment varies according to the severity of the disease:

Initial stages

Treatment involves scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar accumulated below the gum line.

Advanced cases

The use of antibiotics may be necessary to control bacterial infection or surgical procedures, such as flap surgery, where the gums are pulled back to remove tartar below the gum line.

Significant bone loss

In more severe situations, specialists may recommend bone grafts to restore the compromised structure and ensure the stability of the teeth.

The choice of appropriate treatment depends on a detailed evaluation conducted by a specialist, who will consider your medical history and the specific characteristics of your condition.

Technological advances in periodontal treatment

The field of periodontics has experienced significant advances with the introduction of new technologies that improve both the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Minimally invasive treatments

The evolution of periodontal treatments has prioritized less invasive approaches, providing greater comfort and faster recovery for patients. Technologies such as periodontal lasers allow for more precise treatments, reducing bleeding and post-operative discomfort.

The use of operating microscopes has also revolutionized periodontal procedures, allowing for magnified visualization and more precise interventions in hard-to-reach areas.

Guided tissue regeneration

Tissue regeneration techniques have transformed the treatment of advanced cases of periodontitis. Biocompatible materials and growth factors derived from the patient's own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are used to stimulate the regeneration of lost periodontal tissues.

These innovative treatments make it possible not only to control the progression of the disease but also to partially recover compromised structures, restoring health and function to the affected teeth.

Consulting a specialist who keeps up with these innovations is essential to have access to the most modern and effective treatments available.

Signs that indicate the need to consult a specialized dentist

Recognizing the early signs of periodontal diseases is essential to prevent permanent damage to teeth and gums. Be alert to the following symptoms:

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums

When gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing, this may indicate gingivitis. Although reversible with proper treatment, it can evolve to more severe forms if neglected.

Persistent bad breath

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can signal infection in the gums or accumulation of bacterial plaques. Bacteria on the gum line release sulfur compounds, causing an unpleasant odor.

Gum recession

The retraction of gums from the teeth, exposing more of the dental root, can be caused by chronic inflammation or improper brushing. This increases dental sensitivity and compromises the protection of the roots.

Loose or mobile teeth

Dental mobility indicates compromise of the supporting tissues. When infection affects the periodontal ligament and bone, the tooth can become loose or even fall out, requiring immediate attention.

Changes in teeth alignment

Changes in alignment or the emergence of spaces between teeth can indicate that they are moving due to bone loss. These changes affect the bite and impair masticatory function.

If you notice any of these signs, seek a dentist specialized in periodontal diseases. Based on reliable doctor ratings, you can find the ideal professional for your case.

Risk factors for periodontal diseases

Knowing the factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases is essential to adopt appropriate preventive measures.

Genetic factors and family predisposition

Studies show that about 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition to periodontal diseases. If your parents or siblings have a history of serious periodontal problems, you may have an increased risk, making it even more important to have regular dental visits.

Habits and lifestyle

Various elements of daily life significantly influence periodontal health:

Smoking increases the risk of developing periodontitis by up to 7 times. Chronic stress compromises the immune system and favors inflammation. A diet rich in sugars feeds the bacteria that cause bacterial plaque. Untreated bruxism can aggravate existing periodontal lesions.

Associated medical conditions

Some systemic conditions increase susceptibility to periodontal diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (especially when uncontrolled), obesity, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppression (HIV, cancer treatments).

Knowledge of these risk factors allows the development of personalized preventive strategies and the search for early interventions when necessary.

The importance of preventing periodontal diseases

Preventing periodontal diseases is essential to maintain oral health in the long term. The first step is to adopt good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an appropriate toothpaste, use dental floss regularly, and make periodic visits to the dentist to remove bacterial plaque and tartar, avoiding gum inflammation.

In addition, a balanced diet strengthens the immune system and keeps gums healthy. Consume foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Avoid smoking, as it weakens the body's immune response, significantly increasing the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Advanced oral hygiene techniques for periodontal prevention

Maintaining effective oral hygiene is the cornerstone of preventing periodontal diseases. Here are some techniques and products recommended by specialists:

Choosing the right products

Use toothbrushes with soft to extra-soft bristles to avoid damage to the gums. Opt for toothpastes with anti-inflammatory agents, such as chlorhexidine or triclosan, which control bacterial plaque and reduce inflammation. Mouthwashes with essential oils are also effective in reducing bacterial biofilm.

Correct brushing techniques

The brushing technique is fundamental for effective cleaning without harming the gums. Position the brush at a 45° angle in relation to the gum line and make gentle, circular movements. Use interdental brushes to clean larger spaces between the teeth and apply dental floss in a "C" shape to remove plaque in interproximal areas.

For patients with prosthetic treatments, the use of oral irrigators (water floss) is beneficial to clean hard-to-reach areas, ensuring complete oral hygiene.

Periodontal diseases and the importance of specialized treatment

Periodontal diseases are serious conditions that affect both your oral health and your general health. Early detection and proper treatment are essential to avoid serious complications.

Consulting a dentist specialized in periodontal diseases is the best way to ensure effective treatment and preserve your dental health in the long term. Use reliable platforms to find qualified specialists and make informed decisions about your dental treatment.

The impact of periodontal diseases on quality of life

Periodontal diseases can significantly affect your daily well-being. The pain and discomfort caused by gingival inflammation make basic activities such as eating and speaking difficult. Increased dental sensitivity, common in cases of gum recession, can limit the consumption of certain foods and beverages.

The aesthetic aspect also deserves attention, as inflamed gums, frequent bleeding, and possible tooth loss can generate social embarrassment and impact your self-esteem. Many patients report avoiding smiling in public or limiting social interactions due to periodontal problems.

Proper treatment not only restores oral health but also significantly improves your quality of life and self-confidence.

How can AvaliaMed help find the ideal dentist for your treatment?

AvaliaMed is a reliable and practical platform that assists in the search for dentists specialized in periodontal diseases. Based on evaluations from other patients and detailed information about professionals, the platform allows you to make safer and more informed decisions when choosing the most appropriate dentist for your treatment.

The platform offers the possibility to view the qualifications, specializations, and experiences of dentists, ensuring that you receive quality care, aligned with your specific needs. With AvaliaMed, you have access to a network of qualified specialists to care for your oral health with precision and efficiency.

Don't let periodontal problems compromise your smile and your general health. Consult a specialist and invest in the health of your gums today.