Periodontology in Sanremo

Gum care, prevention of periodontitis and long-term oral health

Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing, diagnosing and treating the tissues that support the teeth: the gums, bone and periodontal ligament.

When these tissues become inflamed, symptoms may include bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, sensitivity, loose teeth or discomfort when chewing.

At Raschiotti Dental Practice in Sanremo, we carefully assess the health of your gums to identify any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and develop a personalised treatment plan.

Gingivitis and periodontitis: what is the difference?

Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gums, often caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar. It can cause redness, swelling and bleeding during brushing.

If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the deeper tissues supporting the teeth and develop into periodontitis, historically also known as pyorrhoea.

Periodontitis can cause loss of supporting bone, the formation of periodontal pockets and, in more advanced cases, loose teeth or tooth loss.

Signs that should not be overlooked

It is important to arrange a dental assessment if you notice symptoms such as:

gums that bleed when you brush your teeth;
swollen, red or painful gums;
persistent bad breath;
receding gums;
teeth that appear longer;
tooth sensitivity;
loose teeth;
discomfort or pain when chewing.

In some cases, periodontitis can progress slowly without causing noticeable pain. Regular dental check-ups are therefore essential to identify the condition at an early stage.

Why is early treatment important?

Healthy gums are essential for keeping the teeth stable over time.

When plaque and tartar accumulate beneath the gumline, they can contribute to chronic inflammation that progressively damages the tissues supporting the teeth.

Early treatment helps control inflammation, reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and slow the progression of the disease.

Treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

During the early stages, improving daily oral hygiene and undergoing professional dental hygiene appointments may be sufficient to remove plaque and tartar.

When periodontitis is present, more thorough treatment may be required to clean the periodontal pockets and root surfaces beneath the gumline.

The aim is to reduce the bacterial load, control inflammation and create the conditions needed to preserve the natural teeth for as long as possible.

Periodontal maintenance

Following the initial phase of treatment, regular maintenance is essential.

Patients with periodontitis often require more frequent check-ups and professional hygiene appointments than those undergoing routine preventive care. Recall intervals are personalised according to each patient’s individual level of risk.

Following a periodontal maintenance programme helps control inflammation, monitor the stability of the tissues and reduce the risk of the disease returning.

Periodontitis and general health

Gum health is also connected to general well-being. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and several studies have associated it with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes is particularly close and works in both directions: diabetes can make periodontitis more common and more difficult to control, while untreated gum inflammation may make blood glucose levels more difficult to manage.

During pregnancy, periodontitis has also been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including premature birth and low birth weight. It is therefore important not to overlook bleeding gums, swelling or other signs of inflammation and to attend regular dental check-ups.

Frequently asked questions about periodontology

What is periodontology?

Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with the health of the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth. It focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum conditions.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a deep inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth. It can cause bone loss, periodontal pockets, loose teeth and, in more advanced cases, tooth loss.

Are periodontitis and pyorrhoea the same condition?

Yes. “Pyorrhoea” is an older term sometimes used by patients to describe periodontitis. The correct term used today is “periodontitis”.

Is it normal for gums to bleed?

No. Bleeding gums should not be considered normal. They may be a sign of inflammation and should be assessed, particularly if the bleeding occurs frequently during brushing.

Is periodontitis painful?

Not always. In many cases, periodontitis can progress without causing noticeable pain. This is why regular dental check-ups are important, even when there are no significant symptoms.

Can periodontitis be treated?

Periodontitis can be controlled through a personalised treatment plan, professional care, good daily oral hygiene and regular check-ups. The aim is to stop or slow the progression of the disease and preserve the natural teeth whenever possible.

How frequently should I have check-ups?

This depends on the condition of the gums and the patient’s individual level of risk. Patients with periodontitis may require more frequent appointments than those attending standard check-ups, often every few months, as recommended by the dentist and dental hygienist.

Would you like to protect the health of your gums?

At Raschiotti Dental Practice in Sanremo, we assess the health of your gums and develop personalised treatment plans to prevent and manage gingivitis and periodontitis.