Periodontitis: Why We Need a Vaccine for Gum Disease?

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection caused by the accumulation of bacteria on your gums and teeth. It destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place and causes damage to the soft tissue. As the infection progresses, the teeth could loosen and eventually lead to teeth loss. Periodontitis is a chronic gum disease that is affecting over 15% of the average global population. Although it is preventable, it normally occurs due to poor oral hygiene.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have developed a vaccine that can treat gum disease though it is still at the trails stages. They are confident that if the trials are successful, the vaccine could mark the end of periodontitis. The periodontal vaccine will help prevent chronic gum disease which currently considered as the primary cause of tooth loss.

Symptoms of periodontitis

Healthy gums have a pale pink colour and fit firmly around your teeth. Symptoms of this disease include:

• Loose teeth
• Puffy or swollen gums
• Gums that easily bleed
• Bad breath
• Red or purplish gums
• Painful chewing
• Tender gums when touched
• Development of spaces between your teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Increased sensitivity to sweet, hot and cold things

Stages of periodontitis

Gum disease begins with bacteria accumulation around the gums of your teeth forming plaque. The accumulation leads to gums getting inflamed, which causes them to detach from your teeth and bleed when you floss or brush. The initial inflammation is known as gingivitis and it only gets worse with time. During the early stages of the disease, there might be some discolouration on your teeth. Over time, you reach the moderate stages of the disease and your teeth start to lose the support from the bone and become loose. Eventually, if still left untreated, it gets to the advanced stage where the connective tissue starts to deteriorate and gets destroyed which leads to lose of the teeth.

The human body is full of different types of harmless bacteria, especially in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene causes the bacteria to increase and it becomes harmful. Apart from poor oral hygiene, other risk factors for getting periodontitis include diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, and women hormonal changes.

Periodontitis treatment

Periodontal treatment involves the professional teeth cleaning and removal of plaque from your teeth. A deep cleaning procedure is known as scaling and root planning will be performed by your dentists to remove tartar and plaque build-up from your teeth and roots. If it is at the early stages, the dentist may recommend oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice, flossing regularly and regular dental check-ups to keep your gums and teeth clean. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help treat the infection. If these methods fail and inflammation persists, a surgical procedure known as flap surgery can be done to remove the bacterial deposits under your teeth.

Bottom Line
Carrum Downs Dental Clinic is a dental practice that offers periodontal treatment, amongst other dental services. We have invested in the latest technologies and modern techniques to ensure that you receive the best care and treatment. Our dental team offers both education and prevention tactics to help you improve your oral health and reduce your chances of developing periodontitis. We recommend a variety of treatment options for gum disease and follow up appointments to help assess your progress.

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