Periodontal disease is a serious insidious disease that today kills more teeth than caries. More than 30 % people suffer from periodontal disease, which causes treatment costs in the billions across the country.
The insidious thing about this disease is that it is often painless for a long time and therefore often goes unnoticed by those affected. The symptoms are mostly bad breath, bleeding gums and aesthetic impairments due to receding gums and displaced teeth.
Advanced periodontitis often leads to receding gums and loose teeth. In some cases, periodontal disease also leads to serious general illnesses such as heart attacks, an increased risk of stroke or diabetes.
One thing is certain, the earlier you recognize periodontal disease and treat it professionally, the better the chances of recovery.
Periodontology deals with the diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the periodontium. Periodontitis or periodontosis refers to inflammatory or degenerative changes in the gums and the tooth-bearing jawbone, which, if left untreated, can lead to premature tooth loss.
Unfortunately, the question of how much a gum treatment costs cannot be answered across the board. The cost of a gum treatment depends on the number of sessions and the severity of the disease. The average costs are around CHF 1500.
On request, we will be happy to put together a free offer tailored to you.
Here you will find extensive information about the possibilities and limits of modern periodontology:
ZurichDental specializes in the treatment of gum disease. We have several doctors who are specialists in the field. All periodontists in our dental practice strive to integrate the latest treatment options and the most modern technology into our practice. Therefore we can offer our patients the best possible therapy.
Once periodontitis treatment has been completed, it is important to have your gums and periodontium checked regularly. The so-called periodontal recall is of paramount importance in this regard. This is the only way to successfully overcome periodontitis in the long term! These check-ups take place at regular intervals and are carried out at our practice by individual appointment.
Inflammation of the gums mainly occurs when the teeth are not cleaned regularly and thoroughly. Poor oral hygiene allows pathogens and bacteria to multiply very quickly, causing the gums to become diseased more rapidly. In the mouth There are several hundred different types of bacteria that are normally part of the natural oral flora and are harmless. However, if teeth are not cleaned regularly and food debris is not removed, pathogens can multiply very quickly.
As a result, the bacteria produce aggressive acids and toxins (poisonous substances) during metabolism. These then penetrate the fine spaces between the teeth and the gums and attack it there. The result is that the immune system reacts with an inflammatory reaction and inflammation of the gums develops.
But bacteria are not the only cause of gum disease. If plaque is not regularly removed from the teeth, it builds up calcium and other Minerals in it. Poor oral hygiene makes the coating harder and then develops into it Tartar. The bacteria can settle in the rough structure of the tartar even better and small gum pockets, also called periodontal disease, develop.
But be careful: it is not only poor oral hygiene that can lead to gum inflammation, but also brushing your teeth too vigorously. If the gums are damaged by excessive pressure from the bristles and incorrect brushing technique, bacteria can become lodged in the wound and trigger inflammation. Therefore, the sensitive gums and the entire periodontium should always be cleaned with great care.
In addition, there are a number of other risk factors that can promote gingivitis (inflammation of the marginal gums caused by bacteria). These include metabolic disorders, diabetes (Diabetes mellitus), Alcohol and nicotine consumption, stress, hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy, or a Vitamin C deficiency.
There are also certain medications that can promote gum inflammation. Examples of this are drugs against seizures (hydantoin preparations) and high blood pressure. The same applies to drugs with the active ingredient Cyclosporin A.
It is also possible to take preventative measures against periodontitis. Naturally, daily and thorough brushing is essential for healthy teeth. However, you can also do the following:
The most important way to prevent gum inflammation is through daily oral hygiene and thorough tooth brushing. Bacterial plaque, in particular, must be removed regularly.
Usually it is enough to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent or heal gum inflammation. Make sure that you clean all tooth surfaces thoroughly and remove plaque.
For your daily teeth cleaning, you should use a toothbrush with softer bristles. This will reduce the risk of further injuring or irritating an already inflamed gum from brushing your teeth.
In addition, to clean between your teeth, you should, Floss or use so-called interdental brushes. Finally, you can gargle with an antibacterial mouth rinse or apply a special ointment. Both curb the growth of bacteria and prevent the spread of periodontal bacteria. Formulations based on hydrogen peroxide prescribed by the dentist are also helpful for periodontal disease and receding gums and provide your gums with optimal protection.
Note: As a preventative measure, it is also advisable to have a professional dental clean carried out by your dentist at least once a year. During a professional dental clean, the dentist can reach areas of your mouth that you cannot reach with your toothbrush, even if you brush your teeth correctly.
There are some well-known home remedies that can help relieve gum infection and reduce symptoms and inflammation. Examples are: chamomile tea, sage, myrrh and thyme. Own the medicinal plants anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects and are therefore ideally suited for a quick remedy.
Another good home remedy for gingivitis is also Apple Cider Vinegar. It is best to mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. This mixture should be gargled half an hour before brushing your teeth every day. Saliva production is stimulated and an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect is generated.
Some people who are prone to recurrent gingivitis [see above] use homeopathic treatments for gum inflammation to aid healing. However, the effectiveness of homeopathy has not yet been clearly proven scientifically.
IMPORTANT: Alternative healing methods do not replace classic oral hygiene!
As well as periodontitis, there are other acute gum diseases. These include, for example, gum abscesses, which present as swelling and redness and can sometimes be very painful or even suppurative. A quick and professional gum treatment should also be carried out with this disease.
So-called necrotizing or ulcerating gum diseases can rarely occur. These usually occur in connection with acute stress or a decreased general condition. In these cases there is pronounced local inflammation of the gums. This local inflammation is extremely painful and in many cases leads to a sudden, extreme bad breath. Typical symptoms for these gum diseases are severely inflamed, bleeding gums, which have whitish areas. This condition requires prompt treatment to relieve pain and prevent inflammation from progressing.
