Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious form of gum inflammation and requires the attention of our dentists. To protect your teeth, it is essential to keep your gums healthy. At Loef Mondzorg we always take care of your gums and treat signs of gum disease at both early and later stages.
How does periodontitis develop?
Your gums support your teeth, hold them in place and act as a barrier against bacteria. Healthy gums are pink and firm. Smoking, a sugary diet, overlapping teeth, diseases such as diabetes and certain medications can also cause gum disease.
The first stage of gum inflammation is gingivitis. Symptoms include bleeding gums, inflammation and pain. An infection of the gums can even occur. If you develop periodontitis, you may get more serious symptoms, such as abscesses and deep gum pockets — where the seal of the gum is affected and a deep space forms in which bacteria, plaque and tartar can settle and cause further damage.
Treatment of periodontitis
Timely treatment can prevent the loss of teeth and molars. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can contribute to the healing of periodontitis yourself. In addition, we will remove the plaque and tartar in the deepened pockets with a professional dental cleaning.
You need to remove the plaque above the gum line yourself every day by maintaining good oral hygiene. With a toothbrush you can brush away surface plaque. With aids such as interdental brushes and toothpicks, you can remove plaque between teeth and molars.
Thanks to the combination of good oral hygiene and professional cleaning, the inflammation usually disappears and the healthy gum reattaches to the teeth and molars. Sometimes we cannot fully clean very deep or hard-to-reach pockets. To clean these areas properly, the dentist or a periodontist may need to perform flap surgery.
Aftercare
Periodontitis is a chronic disease. In other words, consistent follow-up is needed to prevent active periodontitis from recurring, and thus further bone loss and premature tooth loss.
This consists of three pillars:
- Excellent oral hygiene at home
- Regular check-ups at the dentist
- Professional dental cleaning 2–4 times a year
Risk groups for periodontitis
It has been shown that some people are more prone to periodontitis than others. Certain bacteria often play an important role. A number of groups are at extra risk:
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01
Smokers
Periodontitis is more common in smokers than in non-smokers. In addition, periodontitis is more severe in smokers, and smokers respond less well to its treatment.
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02
Diabetes
Diabetes (especially poorly controlled diabetes) also increases the risk of developing periodontitis. Diabetes also increases the risk of abscesses in periodontitis.
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03
Stress
Psychological stress can suppress the body’s immune system. This increases the risk of developing periodontitis, and its harmful effects can be greater.
Pregnancy, various systemic diseases and medication can also affect periodontitis. That is why it is important to keep us informed about your health.
How much does this treatment cost?
Preventing periodontitis
Bleeding gums mean there is gum inflammation (gingivitis). Do not ignore this signal, but take action to make your gums healthy again. Plaque causes inflamed gums, so it is important to keep your mouth clean. Aids for keeping your mouth clean include: an (electric) toothbrush, toothpaste, toothpicks, floss, interdental brushes, gauze and/or a tongue scraper. Always consult us about which aids are most suitable for you.
A look inside the practice
This is what it's like at our practice
Short videos of our team and our practice on the Weena. So you know exactly what to expect — even before your first visit.
We are happy to help
We work closely with you to achieve long-term success. Without your cooperation, the chance that periodontitis will return is very high.
A systematic treatment is the best prevention and improves and keeps oral hygiene stable and healthy. We are happy to advise and support you on the subject of gingivitis.
Patient experiences
Our patients' experiences
“We are a driven group of talented care providers. We understand that a healthy, pain-free mouth and fresh smile have a huge impact on your quality of life and appearance.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you know if you have periodontitis?
You can recognise periodontitis by: gums that bleed when brushing or eating, red, soft and swollen gums and receding gums. Bad breath or a bad taste can also indicate periodontitis. Still unsure? Then read our detailed blog about the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis.
How quickly does periodontitis develop?
Before you get periodontitis, it is still gingivitis. Fortunately, with the right treatment you can reverse this and prevent periodontitis within about two weeks.
Is periodontitis contagious?
No, gum inflammation is not contagious to others. It is true that bacteria can easily spread through the mouth, but as long as the person receiving the bacteria has a good immune system, there is nothing to worry about.
At what age does periodontitis occur?
The risk of periodontitis increases as you get older. It is mainly more common between the ages of 50 and 60.
Why have periodontitis treated?
If you do not have the inflammation treated, it can spread. This causes bone loss and eventually the loss of teeth and molars.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
Register
Register as a new patient
Our team of dedicated care providers knows how important a healthy, pain-free mouth and a radiant smile are for your quality of life and self-confidence. Curious about our practice? Register and come and visit us. We are happy to guide you through the world of dental care and explain everything clearly with helpful instruction videos.
Emergencies
Do you urgently need a dentist in Rotterdam? Call us directly on the emergency number below and we will help you the same day with acute complaints and emergencies. 010 200 4815
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Open now · today until 17:00