Pyorrhoea (periodontitis): can it be cured and how is it treated?

In short: pyorrhoea (periodontitis) is not erased entirely, but it can be controlled very well. With the right treatment its progression is halted, further bone loss is prevented and the teeth can hold up for many years. The key is to catch it early and keep up good follow-up for life.

What exactly is pyorrhoea?

«Pyorrhoea» is the popular name for periodontitis, a disease of the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. It starts with inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) and, if it is not treated, goes further: the bacteria damage the bone that supports the tooth, which gradually loses its hold.

The problem is that it usually advances painlessly, silently. That is why many people do not take it seriously until they notice a tooth moving. Looking after the gums is part of periodontics that is sometimes neglected in favour of cosmetics, but it is the foundation for keeping your teeth.

How do I know if I have it? Warning signs

There are clues that are best not ignored:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Red, swollen or painful gums.
• Bad breath that does not go away.
• A feeling that the teeth look “longer” (the gum recedes).
• Teeth that move or have changed position.

If you notice your gums bleeding, do not let it slide: bleeding is not normal and is usually the first sign that something is not right.

Can pyorrhoea be cured?

Let us be honest, because this matters. Periodontitis is not cured in the sense of making it disappear for good: the bone that has already been lost does not grow back on its own. But —and this is the good news— it can be controlled very well.

With the right treatment its progression is stopped, the gum settles down and the situation is stabilised. The teeth that were at risk can be kept for many years. Put another way: it is not “erased”, but it is halted and kept in check. What it does need is constant follow-up, because if it is abandoned, it can flare up again.

How is periodontitis treated?

The treatment is carried out in phases and depends on how advanced it is:

1. Assessment of the gums. The depth of the gums around each tooth is measured and, sometimes, X-rays are taken to see the bone.
2. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). It goes beyond a normal dental cleaning: it cleans below the gum, where the bacteria build up.
3. Re-evaluation. It is checked how the gum has responded. In mild cases, this is usually enough.
4. Maintenance phase. Periodic check-ups and cleanings so it does not progress again. This part is for life and it is the one that makes the difference.

In more advanced cases additional treatments may be needed, which are assessed case by case.

What can I do to halt it?

Your day-to-day routine counts enormously:

• Correct brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth (floss or interdental brushes).
• Quitting smoking, which is one of the gums’ greatest enemies.
• Attending your check-ups and not skipping the maintenance cleanings.
• Controlling conditions such as diabetes, which affect the gums.

Consistency at home is, together with professional treatment, what really preserves your teeth in the long term.

Notice: this guide is for information only and does not replace a consultation or a professional diagnosis. If you think you may have pyorrhoea, the important thing is to be assessed in person as soon as possible.

If your gums bleed or you are worried about pyorrhoea, do not wait for it to get worse: the sooner it is treated, the easier it is to keep your teeth. Tell us what you are noticing and we will look at it calmly here in Bilbao. You can find our details on the contact page.