Infection of gum tissues
Apical Periodontitis
Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis is an inflammation of the teeth’s supporting structures around the apex of the tooth. This inflammation is caused by a tooth infection and results in the destruction of bone and root apex of the tooth. If properly treated and the reason for inflammation is removed, then periodontitis can be cured.
Apical periodontitis can be caused by infection, trauma or a root canal treatment. Out of these, infection is the most common. Bacteria contribute in the tooth decay and as a result cause the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, called pulpitis, and eventually cause the pulp to die. If not properly treated, the inflammation extends towards the root canal and thus causes apical periodontitis.
Another cause of apical periodontitis is trauma. If there is any direct blow to the tooth, the tooth’s pulp dies and becomes infected with bacteria; finally resulting in apical periodontitis. Biting on a hard object and putting undue pressure on the teeth during a dental treatment are also some of the causes of apical periodontitis. Moreover, during the root canal treatment, mechanical dental instruments or chemicals used in the root-filling materials might cause this condition too.
Apical periodontitis is divided into acute and chronic apical periodontitis.
Acute apical periodontitis is characterized by a spontaneous onset of moderate-to-severe pain, persisting for a longer time. The pain gets aggravated when the teeth bite into something. It can be treated by either extracting the infected tooth or by doing the root canal treatment. These methods remove the source of infection and drain out the infection.
Chronic apical periodontitis occurs if the acute apical periodontitis is not healed completely or was not properly treated. The tooth becomes very sensitive; even the slightest touch or tap on the infected tooth is very painful.
Chronic apical periodontitis is treated in a similar way as the acute apical periodontitis i.e., tooth extraction and the root canal treatment.
Having a good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth properly, using mouthwash, avoiding injuries or blows to the teeth and gums, and avoiding biting too hard on food are some of the preventive measures. Moreover, regularly visits to the dentist also pay off.
What is Gum Disease?
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the infection of gum tissues and the bones that support the teeth. People having gum disease would experience pain in their gums and teeth, inflammation of the gums and bleeding from the gums. If these conditions remain for a long time, the teeth become weak and there is a risk of them even falling out.
In medical terms, gum disease is known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can affect people in any age group. Initially, its effects can be only a bad breath but it can turn serious by giving you pain, bleeding and can even lead to tooth loss. So if you have any these symptoms, don’t take them lightly.
The common cause of gum disease is plaque. It accumulates on gums and around the teeth naturally and silently. Plaque is a thin sticky layer containing germs. It contains bacteria that damage the gums and make them feel irritated. These bacteria, which are of so many different types, live and multiply in the plaque. Regular brushing and flossing your teeth every day can help keep the plaque away. A trip to the dentist can also help you fight plaque and other tooth and gum diseases.
People in a young age group, like teens, are likely to develop gum diseases more than the older people. Eating and drinking different kind of food items every now and then add to risk of gum diseases especially if you could not brush your teeth immediately after eating them. Sugar is bad for the teeth, but foods having starch, like fries also produce acids that can damage your tooth enamel. Smoking is also harmful to your teeth and gums. Plaque also accumulates around braces very easily.
Dentists can suggest different ways to treat the gum diseases. The treatment can include scaling or root planning, using antibiotics, mouthwashes, and surgery etc.
