PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF PERIODONTOLOGY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY PATIENTS

What is PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. There are two forms: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

What is GINGIVITIS?

Gingivitis is a reversible condition affecting the gums caused by the accumulation of dental plaque on tooth surfaces. It is characterized by reddening and swelling of the gums, bleeding of the gums. The gums are often tender or sensitive.

What is DENTAL PLAQUE?

Dental Plaque or Dental Biofilm (its new name) is composed of numerous bacteria that attach to tooth surfaces primarily around the gum margins and in between teeth. The bacteria in the dental plaque release harmful substances that cause the gums to become inflamed or swollen.

Is Gingivitis contagious?

No, gingivitis is not contagious. You do not develop gingivitis if you kiss someone with gingivitis.

How do I reverse Gingivitis?

Brush your teeth properly and in severe cases seek professional help from your dentist. Sometimes dental plaque/biofilm may be located below the gums and cannot be reached by brushing alone. The dentist can remove these deposits professionally for you by performing scaling and polishing. 

How do I prevent gingivitis?

Thorough brushing of the teeth at least twice daily will prevent gingivitis. Regular dental check-ups are also recommended.

Can I just take Antibiotics to treat Gingivitis?

Although Gingivitis is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not completely remove the infection because antibiotics could hardly penetrate the dental plaque/biofilm. The dental plaque/biofilm needs to be removed from its attachment to the tooth surface to effectively control gingivitis. Antibiotics will be effective only while one is using it. After you stop taking it, the infection will come back because the cause (dental plaque/biofilm) remains, if it is not mechanically removed.

What happens if Gingivitis is not controlled?

Gingivitis if not controlled may lead to a more serious condition named Periodontitis if one is susceptible or predisposed to this condition.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the progressive form of Periodontal Disease caused by a specific group of bacteria in the dental plaque/biofilm that has attached to the root surface of the affected tooth/teeth. It causes irreversible damage to the periodontium (includes gums and the structures that support or keep the tooth in place).

How do I know I have Periodontitis?

Aside from bleeding and swollen gums, tooth/teeth may be loose, pus may ooze out from the gum margins, pain on biting may be felt and there may be bad/foul odor or smell from the mouth.

Why do teeth become loose in Periodontitis?

Teeth become loose because the structures that hold or support the teeth particularly the alveolar (jaw) bone gets destroyed in the disease process. Bone is lost and it does not grow back again even if the disease is arrested.

How is Periodontitis controlled or treated?

Just like Gingivitis, the cause (bacterial plaque/biofilm) of the infection has to be removed! There are two ways or methods which are both administered professionally by your dentist or specialist (Periodontist), to control the infection: non-surgical or a “closed” procedure and a surgical or “open” procedure. Both procedures involve the “scraping away” of the deposits that accumulated on the roots of the affected teeth.

Does “TARTAR” or dental calculus cause Periodontal Disease?

Tartar/ Dental Calculus does not cause Periodontitis nor Gingivitis. It however provides an additional surface area for dental plaque/biofilm to attach to.