How to Prevent 牙周病 with Daily Oral Care

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Periodontal disease, commonly known as 牙周病, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This condition is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults but is often preventable with proper oral hygiene and dental care.

What is 牙周病 (Periodontal Disease)?

The term 牙周病 refers to infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, the gums become swollen and may bleed easily. As it progresses into periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets that collect debris and become infected.

Causes of 牙周病

The primary cause of 牙周病 is plaque—a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning.

Other contributing factors include:

Poor oral hygiene

Smoking or tobacco use

Diabetes

Genetic susceptibility

Stress

Certain medications that reduce saliva flow

Hormonal changes in females

Poor nutrition

Common Symptoms of 牙周病

Identifying 牙周病 early is crucial. Common signs and symptoms include:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

Persistent bad breath

Pain when chewing

Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Loose or shifting teeth

Sensitive teeth

Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

Diagnosing 牙周病

Dentists diagnose 牙周病 by:

Reviewing your medical history to identify risk factors

Examining your gums for signs of inflammation

Measuring the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth

Taking dental X-rays to observe bone loss

Treatment Options for 牙周病

The treatment of 牙周病 depends on the severity of the condition:

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

Professional Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.

Scaling and Root Planing: A deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure under local anesthesia where plaque and tartar are scraped away, and rough spots on tooth roots are smoothed.

2. Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): Lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits and then suturing them back.

Bone Grafts and Soft Tissue Grafts: Used to regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost due to 牙周病.

Guided Tissue Regeneration: Encourages regrowth of bone and gum tissue.