Pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis, is a gum disease affecting many individuals. It impacts the tissues supporting the teeth and can lead to oral health problems if left unaddressed. Understanding its indicators, causes, and treatments is important for maintaining oral and overall well-being.
What is Pyorrhea
Pyorrhea is an advanced form of gum disease, specifically periodontitis. It involves inflammation and infection of the gums, bone, and ligaments supporting the teeth. The condition begins with gingivitis, a milder gum inflammation, and progresses if untreated. As it advances, pyorrhea can destroy gum tissue and the underlying jawbone, which anchors the teeth. This damage makes it a cause of tooth loss in adults.
Common Indicators
Pyorrhea presents with several signs that develop gradually. Bleeding gums, particularly during brushing or flossing, are common. Gums may also appear swollen, red, or tender.
Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is another symptom, often due to bacterial presence. As the disease advances, gums may recede, making teeth appear longer. Deep pockets can form between teeth and gums, and pus might be noticeable, indicating an infection. Changes in how teeth fit together when biting, or teeth becoming loose or shifting, are also late-stage signs.
Underlying Causes
The cause of pyorrhea is the accumulation of bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth. If not removed through regular cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which irritates gums and creates an environment for bacteria to thrive. This irritation leads to inflammation and infection. Poor oral hygiene, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, directly contributes to plaque and tartar buildup.
Other factors can increase susceptibility to pyorrhea. Smoking is a risk factor, as it can reduce blood flow to the gums and impair the body’s ability to fight infection. Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also make gums more vulnerable. Certain medications, chronic diseases like diabetes, and conditions that compromise the immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS) also increase the risk. Genetic predisposition can also play a role, making some individuals more prone to developing the disease.
Treatment Approaches
Professional interventions treat pyorrhea, with approaches varying based on disease severity. Non-surgical treatments are the first approach. Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure, removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. This process also smooths root surfaces to prevent further bacterial buildup and help gums reattach. Antibiotics, either topical gels or oral medications, may be prescribed to control bacterial infection within gum pockets.
For advanced cases, surgical options may be recommended. Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting back gum tissue to access and remove deep tartar deposits and reshape damaged bone. After cleaning, gums are repositioned and sutured to fit more snugly around teeth. When bone or gum tissue has been lost, regenerative procedures like bone grafting or soft tissue grafts can be performed. These procedures encourage the regrowth of lost supporting structures, using the patient’s own tissue, donor material, or synthetic options.
Preventive Measures
Preventing pyorrhea or managing its progression relies on consistent oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Daily flossing is equally important for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash, if recommended by a dental professional, can further reduce bacterial plaque.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for prevention. These visits, every six months, allow dentists to remove accumulated plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated by home care alone. Beyond oral hygiene, lifestyle factors play a role. Avoiding smoking reduces the risk of developing and worsening pyorrhea. Managing systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, also contributes to overall gum health and can help prevent pyorrhea.