Pyorrhea or periodontitis is the inflammation of the gums. This is usually associated with pus discharge from the affected areas. Pyorrhea causes the teeth to become loose in their sockets and is the most common cause of falling teeth in adults over 40 years of age.

Our smile is probably the most noticeable and beautiful feature of our face. Any defect in the smile can cause much anxiety and loss of self-confidence in any person. It is our own responsibility to take care of our teeth and protect them from damage.

This article will deal with every aspect of pyorrhea. Its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:

  1. What is Pyorrhea?
  2. Signs and Symptoms
  3. What Causes Pyorrhea?
  4. Treatment of pyorrhea in Delhi NCR

Take Away

1. What is Pyorrhea?

Pyorrhea is a severe infection of the gums. This occurs because of bacteria that have been allowed to increase in numbers because of poor oral hygiene. These severe infections can cause damage and destruction of the surrounding ligaments, gums, and bony structures if not treated at the correct time.

Pyorrhea is usually caused by a bacteria called Pyorrhea alveolaris.

As the disease progresses, it leads to bleeding and pus discharge from the gums.

Based on different criteria, pyorrhea is divided into different types, such as:

  • Chronic pyorrhea
  • Aggressive pyorrhea
  • Necrotizing pyorrhea

Chronic pyorrhea

Chronic pyorrhea is the most common type of pyorrhea. It usually affects adults, but children are also affected by it. This is a long-term condition caused by a buildup of plaque because of bad dental hygiene.

This condition involves the destruction of gums and bones slowly, which might get better or worse depending on the brushing etiquettes and proper treatment.

Aggressive pyorrhea

Aggressive pyorrhea is a hereditary disease that runs in families. It is usually present in adolescence or early adulthood. It causes rapid destruction of gums and bone loss if left untreated. Aggressive pyorrhea should be treated at the earliest because it has a swift course of action. People with a family history should always be cautious of this disease.

Necrotizing pyorrhea

Necrotizing pyorrhea is probably the worst kind of pyorrhea. It causes the death of teeth and surrounding structures like gums and bones because of necrosis or lack of blood supply.

This condition is usually seen in immunocompromised people, i.e., People with low immunity due to HIV, cancers, immunosuppressive medicines, and malnutrition.

Necrosis of the tooth and surrounding tissue leads to severe infection, which causes further damage.

2. Signs and Symptoms

Several signs and symptoms can signal pyorrhea. If you experience any of these pyorrhea symptoms, you should immediately consult a dentist.

  • Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Inflamed, red, tender, and swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Mobile tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Loss of teeth
  • Pain while eating food
  • Foul breath
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Gaps between your teeth
  • Periodontal pockets between teeth and gums
  • Pus discharge

The pyorrhea symptoms will vary depending on the severity of your disease.

Pyorrhea symptoms can lead to further complications, such as:

  • Bone destruction and pain
  • Abscess formation
  • Loss of teeth

3. What Causes Pyorrhea?

Our oral cavity is a host to many harmless microbes. But these bacteria are safe only when present in a limited number. Practicing bad oral hygiene, such as not brushing teeth regularly and properly, can cause the food to remain stuck between our teeth.

These bacteria act on these food particles and break them down. This breakdown releases chemical compounds that form plaque over the teeth. This plaque can also be removed by brushing the teeth.

Due to improper and irregular brushing, eventually, bacteria deposit minerals over this plaque, causing it to become hard and calcified. This hardened plaque is called tartar.

Tartar promotes the growth of more bacteria which attacks the tooth roots. Our body’s immune response is triggered to kill these bacteria, which causes inflammation in the gums.

If not treated at the right time, this infection and inflammation eventually cause a gap in the gum and tooth root attachment. This gap is called a periodontal pocket.

Now, harmful, anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can survive without oxygen) start growing in this pocket. They multiply and cause damage to the gums, teeth, and other surrounding tissues like supporting bones. It leads to the production of pus which is discharged into the oral cavity.

This pus can often be swallowed with saliva and lead to various infections elsewhere in the digestive tract.

Certain risk factors make you more prone to getting pyorrhea, such as:

  • Smoking 
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Immune conditions like HIV or cancers
  • Medications that decrease the amount of saliva or dry out your mouth
  • Malnutrition 
  • Deficiency of vitamin C
  • Hormonal changes in women as seen during pregnancy or menopause

4. Treatment of pyorrhea in Delhi NCR

Treatment of pyorrhea is best done when initial signs appear. For severe cases where bone destruction and tooth loss have occurred, bone grafting and artificial teeth become necessary.

In earlier stages, treatment of pyorrhea include:

  • Regular and proper teeth brushing and flossing.
  • If tartar has formed over the teeth, this can not be removed through routine brushing. Tartar has to be removed using dental instruments. 
  • Regular visits to your dentist help identify pyorrhea at the early stages and thus helps in a better prognosis. You should visit your dentist every six months to maintain good oral hygiene. 
  • Procedures like scaling and root planing are highly beneficial in preventing and treating pyorrhea. 
  • Pyorrhea can also be treated using laser techniques, which is a much less invasive and less painful procedure than dental surgeries.

In the worst cases, surgeries remain the only treatment of pyorrhea.

Take Away

This was a brief article explaining all about pyorrhea, its symptoms, causes, and treatment. If you think you have any symptoms mentioned above, consult with a dentist in South Delhi at the earliest.

At Dr. Sahni, you will get the best treatment and solutions for pyorrhea from the best dental clinic in South Delhi.

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