Periodontitis
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Periodontitis, a severe gum disease, is an inflammation of the periodontium (Periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, gingiva and cementum.
Causes
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Infection
Signs and symptoms
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- New spaces developing between the teeth
- Bleeding gum
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
Complications
- Tooth loss
- Systemic disease such as respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes
Investigations
- Physical examination
- Dental X-ray to check for bone loss
Treatment objectives
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Prevent further bleeding from the gum
- Treat infection
Non-pharmacological treatment
- Scaling
- Root planning
- Use of mouthwash
- Bone grafting
- Soft tissue grafts
- Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery)
Pharmacological treatment
Paracetamol oral
Adult:
500mg-1g every 6-8hours
Child:
6-12 years: 250-500mg every 6-8 hours
1-5 years: 120-250mg every 6-8 hours,
3months-1 year: 60-120mg every 6-8 hours when required
OR
Ibuprofen oral
Adult:
200-400mg every 8 hours
Child:
100-200mg every 8 hours
AND
Amoxicillin oral:
Adult:
500mg every 8 hours for 7days
Child:
6-12 years: 250mg every 8 hours for 7 days
1-5 years 125mg every 8 hours for 7 days,
<1 year: 62.5mg every 8 hours for 7 days
OR
Metronidazole oral
Adult:
400mg every 8 hours for 7 days
Child:
100-200mg every 8 hours for 7 days
Referral
Refer to a dental specialist for further treatment
Prevention
- Maintain good oral hygiene specifically twice daily brushing and flossing
- Regular dental check-up