What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory affection that appears at gum level and teeth supporting tissues. This disease is mainly caused by the bacterial plaque, which causes the inflammation of the periodontal marginal tooth.
Aside from the bacterial plaque, dental scale is one of the main factors contributing to the appearance of periodontitis. Whether this is positioned above or under the gum, it can constitute a permanent source of gum infection due to the quartering action of germs at this level. Therefore, it is recommended that one sees a specialist doctor as soon as there are signs of swollen gums or tartar deposit.


Periodontopaties have a progressive evolution that can be staged in multiple phases: the incipient phase also known as gingivitis, which causes gum bleeding, enlargement in volume, and changes in color, whereby gums take on a reddish-violet color and give bad breath. However, gingivitis is reversible and therefore, can be treated by establishing a rigorous oral hygiene, as well as an effective diet.
Advanced phases also known as periodontitis are complications difficult to treat and often with an irreversible evolution. These in turn have a more pronounced symptomatology represented through gingival retractions, increased dental sensitivity, dental mobility and the appearance of periodontal bags. Advanced periodontitis cannot be completely treated, yet can be slowed down from evolving through an accurate diagnosis, recurring check-ups, and an adequate treatment.
Other risk factors of the periodontal disease are:
- Smoking;
- Diabetes;
- Pregnancy;
- Puberty, poor immunity, and untreated cavities;
- Unsatisfactory fillings;
- Bad dental work and inadequate gingival prosthetic work;
There is more than one stage to treating periodontal disease:
Periodontal consultation: clinical and radiologic exam, a detailed periodontal review, oral hygienic evaluation, and specialized training for patients on adequate oral hygienic techniques;
Initial periodontal treatment: ultrasonic scaling both supra and subgingival, scaling, manual subgingival curettage, professional brushing, mechanical and chemical disinfection of periodontal bags;
Surgical periodontal treatment: flap surgery with periodontal repair, artificial bone graft, free gingival graft, bioresorbable membrane, tissue regeneration techniques, gingivectomy;
The maintenance stage: regular check-ups every 4 to 6 months, periodontal review;

