Gum disease,
an insidious problem to be taken seriously
In industrialized countries, it’s estimated that over 80% of the adult population will experience gum disease. This may be benign, such as gingivitis, or more serious, such as periodontitis or peri-implantitis.
Studio Paro, a periodontology practice in Lyon 3rd district, welcomes you to Part-Dieu for a precise diagnosis, effective treatment and long-term follow-up of your periodontal disease. Book an appointment today.
What are the different types of gum disease?
There are three main periodontal diseases:
- The most benign, and also the most common, is gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that causes redness, swelling and mild to moderate bleeding when teeth are brushed, or even spontaneously. Left untreated, it can develop into a more serious condition.
- Periodontitis is an infection caused by bacteria growing between the teeth and gums, in spaces known as "periodontal pockets". Unlike gingivitis, this pathology affects all elements of the periodontium, including the alveolar bone. If left unchecked, periodontitis can progress to the point of tooth loss.
- Peri-implantitis is the equivalent of periodontitis, but affects implants. Here too, bacterial overgrowth eventually leads to peri-implant bone loss and, if left untreated, implant loss.
What causes periodontal disease?
Contrary to popular belief, poor oral hygiene is not the only cause. Sick gums are the result of many factors, such as :
- a favorable genetic background (which can be identified by genetic testing at Studio Paro)
- taking certain medications
- the presence of a systemic disease such as diabetes, hypertension or certain autoimmune disorders
- lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, etc.
- untreated or poorly treated gingivitis
- the absence of cavities, whose bacteria combat those of periodontitis
What are the consequences of gum infection?
Periodontal disease can affect not only your oral health, but your whole body.
In the mouth, latent infection can degenerate into chronic periodontitis, leading to shifting and loosening of the teeth, not to mention their aesthetic appearance.
As gum disease is bacterial in origin, it can also affect the rest of the body. For example, untreated peri-implantitis or periodontitis can cause or aggravate cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as leading to premature delivery. Finally, some studies point to a link between periodontal bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease.
How can periodontal disease be treated?
Studio Paro, located between Les Halles Paul Bocuse and the Lyon-Part-Dieu train station, boasts a team entirely dedicated to periodontal care. Our team offers you innovative and comprehensive treatment.
Our treatments include a preliminary periodontal assessment, followed by lithotripsy sessions – the gentle, painless removal of subgingival calculus – and regular maintenance consultations. Please contact us to find out more.
Would you like to make an appointment at Studio Paro?