Pyorrhea of the gums, more formally known as periodontitis, represents a serious form of gum disease. This condition involves an infection that targets the soft tissues surrounding the teeth and, if left unaddressed, can progressively damage the bone supporting the teeth. It can lead to tooth loosening and, ultimately, tooth loss. Pyorrhea signifies a stage where the infection has moved beyond the surface of the gums, affecting the deeper structures that anchor teeth securely in place.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pyorrhea primarily originates from the accumulation of bacterial plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. When this plaque is not consistently removed through daily oral hygiene practices, the bacteria within it produce toxins. These toxins irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation.
Over time, if plaque remains on the teeth, it can harden into a calcified deposit called tartar, or calculus. Tartar provides a rough surface that allows even more plaque to accumulate, making it much more difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush and floss. This persistent presence of plaque and tartar near the gum line creates an environment conducive to ongoing infection.
Several factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing pyorrhea. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as infrequent or ineffective brushing and flossing, allow plaque to flourish. Smoking and the use of other tobacco products elevate the risk, as they impair the immune system’s ability to fight off bacterial infections in the gums.
Underlying health conditions, particularly diabetes, can make individuals more prone to gum disease, as diabetes can affect the body’s healing processes. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can make gums more sensitive and reactive to plaque. Certain medications that reduce saliva flow can contribute to plaque buildup, and some genetic predispositions may increase an individual’s likelihood of developing pyorrhea.
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing pyorrhea often involves noticing changes in the gums and mouth. Gums may appear swollen, bright red, or purplish. Healthy gums are firm and pink, so any deviation in color or texture can be a sign of inflammation.
Bleeding gums are a common symptom. This bleeding may occur during routine activities like brushing or flossing, or even spontaneously. A persistent bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath, known as halitosis, can signal the presence of bacterial infection beneath the gum line.
As the disease progresses, gums may recede, making the teeth appear longer. This recession exposes more of the tooth root, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. In more advanced stages, teeth may start to feel loose or shift position, and changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting can occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
A dental professional diagnoses pyorrhea through a comprehensive oral examination. This involves visually inspecting the gums for signs of inflammation, redness, and swelling. The dentist will use a small, specialized ruler called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums.
Healthy gum pockets are shallow, measuring 1 to 3 millimeters. Deeper pockets, 4 millimeters or more, indicate that the gums have pulled away from the teeth due to infection and bone loss. Dental X-rays are used to assess the extent of bone loss around the teeth, providing a clear picture of the underlying damage.
Treatment for pyorrhea varies depending on the severity of the condition. For less advanced cases, non-surgical procedures are effective. Scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as a deep cleaning, is a primary non-surgical treatment. This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the root surfaces (root planing) to prevent further buildup.
When pyorrhea is more advanced and non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgical interventions may be necessary. Flap surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting back the gum tissue for thorough cleaning of plaque and tartar from deep pockets and to reshape damaged bone. Other surgical options include bone grafting to regenerate bone lost to the disease, and guided tissue regeneration to encourage new bone and gum tissue growth. The goal of these treatments is to halt the progression of the disease, reduce pocket depths, and preserve the remaining tooth structure.
Prevention and Ongoing Care
Preventing pyorrhea, or managing it after treatment, relies on consistent and thorough oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food particles from tooth surfaces. Using a soft-bristled brush and proper technique is important to avoid irritating the gums.
Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and under the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. Oral rinses recommended by a dentist can complement brushing and flossing by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are fundamental for prevention and ongoing care. Dentists and dental hygienists can remove hardened tartar that cannot be removed with home brushing and flossing. These visits allow for early detection of any signs of gum disease, enabling prompt intervention before the condition progresses.
Avoiding tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, significantly reduces the risk of developing and worsening gum disease. Tobacco use compromises gum health and the body’s ability to heal. Managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, with a healthcare provider plays a role in maintaining overall oral health.