The most important principle in preventing and treating periodontal disease is to take action early. Any delay deepens the problem, making treatment more complex and costly. Ideally, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)—the earliest stage and precursor to periodontal disease—should be recognized and addressed immediately. At this stage, changes can often be fully reversed with appropriate care.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Causes are well known and divided into local and systemic factors:
Local causes are the primary and most significant:
- Dental plaque
- Tartar
- Stains and concretions
- Food debris
While these deposits form in everyone’s mouth, their harmful effects occur only when they’re not properly removed. Therefore, periodontal disease, like many other conditions, stems largely from poor oral hygiene.
Systemic factors include:
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Weakened immune system
Additional contributing conditions may include poor contact between upper and lower teeth, teeth grinding at night (bruxism), dental caries, or poorly placed fillings.
Therapy: Targeting the Root Cause
Since dental deposits are the main cause, they are also the main therapeutic target. Good oral hygiene combined with regular check-ups can prevent or halt the early stages of periodontal disease.
To remove soft deposits (plaque, food remnants):
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use dental floss
- Consider mouth rinses, especially at night
Dentists may highlight areas that are difficult for patients to reach or clean—such as posterior teeth.
To remove hard deposits (tartar, concretions, stains):
- Professional dental cleaning is necessary
- Ultrasonic scaling, performed every 8 months, is highly effective
Further Diagnosis and Advanced Treatment
During examination, the dentist may also identify other risk factors and recommend specific treatments or medications.
In more advanced cases involving periodontal pockets, various periodontal procedures are available:
Deep pockets and bone loss: surgical options such as flap surgery or bone grafting performed under local anesthesia
Shallow pockets: scaling and flushing to eliminate bacteria—quick, simple, and effective