Periodontitis is said to begin as an infection of the tooth and spreads out throughout the root canal and the bones supporting the teeth. Usually, this occurs when the gums and teeth are inflamed or when the tooth has been traumatized. When chronic periodontitis becomes worse, the tooth starts to swell. If this happens, dental professionals will recommend cutting the defective gums and the harmed tooth needs to be extracted.

Acute periodontitis is classified into two types according to the liquid formed: one is serious, the type where lymph is formed; and purulent, when there is pus formed. In serous periodontitis, infection around the tooth is not evident. This often results when tooth is hit, when it undergoes orthodontic treatment, or when it is treated with arsenic. Oftentimes, the tooth is still normally alive and when the trauma is healed,periodontitis disappears slowly. Purulent periodontitis is more common as it progresses into an infection passing through the root canal and spreads to the bone supporting the teeth.

Purulent periodontitis goes through four phases of development. The first phase shows that the pus is only around the root tip of the tooth. When the tooth is tapped, there is dull pain felt which tends to increase. In the second phase, pus starts to pass through the bone and the pain felt becomes stronger. When the teeth are clenched, the tooth hurts even more. Symptoms are observed such as fever, headache, fatigue, and more.

The third phase is described to be the most severe pain felt by an individual. It is because the pus is now beginning to gather deep below the gums and the root tips while the tissue there are being stretched. The pain is very intense so that the individual cringe at the slightest touch of the tooth. In the fourth phase, pus starts to spread through the tissues and reaches the mucous membranes surrounding the tooth. Although the pressure in the bone decreases abruptly and the pain simmers down, the cheek starts to swell.

The treatment of periodontal disease depends on what phase you are experiencing. It is essential not to treat the defective teeth on your own. Dental professionals try to eliminate the pus from the body and as much as possible, reduce the chances of damaging the bone, especially if the tooth can still accept treatment. However, if the tooth cannot be salvaged anymore, it should be removed. It is vital to visit your dentist as soon as changes are felt in the tooth otherwise periodontitis may become worse leading to extraction of the teeth. It always pays to take proper care of your teeth, gums, and the mouth cavity in general.