Periodontology, or gingival diseases, can occur for a variety of reasons. When left untreated, gingival diseases can cause great discomfort and reduce the quality of life. We can list some gingival diseases that patients complain about a lot as follows.

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is known as the earliest stage of gum infection. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor and inadequate oral care. Research shows that poor oral and dental care can lead not only to tooth decay, but also gingivitis. Gingivitis damages the pink gum tissue that surrounds the jawbone and called the gingiva. However, it does not damage the jawbone itself or the fusion mechanism of the tooth. Therefore, it is known as the earliest stage of gum infections. Gingivitis can be local or spread if not intervened in time. Swelling of the gums, redness, gum pain and bleeding gums when touched are common symptoms of gingivitis.

• Periodontitis

Periodontitis, known as the advanced stage of gingivitis, is a gum infection that should be taken seriously. Periodontitis, which can cause more damage than gingivitis, has the potential to affect both the fusion mechanism of the tooth and the bone that supports the gums. It is important to determine whether the periodontitis is local or progressed, to measure the pressure it applies on the bone in the mouth and to classify and treat it accordingly. In some advanced periodontitis, the tooth affected by the gum may need to be extracted. Bleeding, redness, swelling in the gums, periodontal pockets deeper than 5 millimeters, loose of the teeth, damage to the bone and gradually opening gaps in the teeth are symptoms of periodontitis.

• Periodontal abscess

A periodontal abscess, also known as a gum abscess, is a local and abscessed infection of the gums. It can occur in the gum tissue, in the roots of teeth fork or in gum pockets. Gingival abscesses or canker sores directly affect the fusion mechanism of the tooth. Therefore, a gingival abscess that is not treated properly can cause the tooth to fall out.  A visible and bright swelling in the gum pocket, discharge from the gums, gum pain, sensitivity when touched, pain in the jawbone and loose teeth are symptoms of a gum abscess.

• Gingival Lesions

Gingival lesions, also known as perio-endo lesions, are conditions that develop when an infection that starts in the tooth spreads to the gum or an infection that starts in the gum spreads to the tooth. In such cases, along with the pulp tissue, nerves, vessels and other tissues supporting the teeth can also be directly affected. In such cases, a combined treatment plan should be created with both endodontics and periodontology treatments. Symptoms of gingival lesions include swelling of the gums, hypersensitivity to cold and heat, and severe pain starting at the root of the teeth.

• Gingival Recession

Gingival recession is also a common gum disease. Most gingival recession occurs as a result of periodontitis. The neck of the tooth is open to the outside, causing the gingival to recede. In such cases, gum correction is necessary and the gums should be corrected. However, it has also been seen that overbrushing can sometimes lead to gingival recession. Clearly visible tooth roots, teeth appearing longer than they are, receding gums, sensitivity to heat and cold, and an unaesthetic appearance of teeth and gums are symptoms of gingival recession.

Periodontology, or gingival diseases, can occur for a variety of reasons. When left untreated, gingival diseases can cause great discomfort and reduce the quality of life. We can list some gingival diseases that patients complain about a lot as follows.