Periodontitis is a severe inflammatory condition of the gums, affecting the tissues and bones that support the teeth. Untreated gingivitis is an advanced form of gingivitis that can lead to receding gums, loosening of teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums when brushing, receding gums, constant bad breath, tooth movement or loosening, and pain or discomfort in the gums.

Gingivitis can have several causes. The most common causes are plaque and tartar. These are bacterial deposits that irritate the gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis. Improper brushing and flossing can contribute to gingivitis. It is important to mention smoking as a trigger, smoking can also increase the development and severity of gingivitis.

Bleeding gums can be a common symptom of gingivitis, also known as gingivitis. The main symptoms include red and swollen gums (the gums may become red and swollen), bleeding (bleeding of the gums during brushing or flossing) and bad breath (gingivitis can result from the presence of bacteria, which can cause bad breath). If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Treatment of gingivitis can help prevent further spread of gingivitis and more serious dental problems such as periodontal disease.

Oral cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, refers to tumours that develop on the inner surface of the oral cavity, lips, gums, pharynx, oropharynx (the root of the tongue, the back of the pharynx and the arch of the jaw) or lip.

The symptoms of mouth cancer can vary. Sores or ulcers (persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth, lips or gums that do not heal or heal very slowly), pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes (hoarseness or loss of voice), swelling (persistent swelling or sensation in the throat or mouth), toothache or jaw pain (not related to other known dental problems), tenderness of the teeth or gums, tooth displacement, white patches or dark spots on the oral mucosa, persistent bad breath.

Regular oral hygiene, such as brushing three times a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and regular dental check-ups, is important to prevent periodontal disease.

Early diagnosis allows treatment in the early stages of the disease, preventing more severe damage and tooth loss.

Treatment may include deep cleaning (scaling and root planning), medication and, in more severe cases, surgical intervention such as pocket deepening or bone regeneration procedures.

Periodontal disease is quite common, especially among adults. However, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of developing it.

Your dentist or periodontist may recommend the frequency of check-ups depending on your condition. This may be every 3-6 months, but in severe cases more frequent visits may be necessary.

Modern anaesthesia and pain relief allow periodontal treatments to cause minimal or no pain. After treatment, there is mild discomfort that can be treated with medication.

In some cases, the damage caused by early-stage periodontal disease can be reversed, especially if treated in time. For more severe damage, the aim is to prevent further deterioration and preserve teeth. Depending on the severity of the condition, different restorative procedures such as bone regeneration techniques are available.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of periodontal disease by impairing oral circulation, inhibiting gum healing and promoting inflammatory responses. Smokers are more likely to develop deeper gum pockets and greater bone loss, which can lead to premature tooth loss. In addition, smoking reduces the success of periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning and surgery by affecting the ability of tissues to heal. Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps in preventing periodontal disease and increasing the success of treatment.