«Take care
of your
gums.»
Marco Tresch (40) knew little about periodontitis when his teeth suddenly began to wobble. The disease had consequences for him. With his story, he wants to raise awareness and support prevention.
"It took me a lot of effort to see a periodontist. At first, I wondered what the point was. But Dr. Stöcklin-Wasmer was able to convince me. Although: It didn’t look good at first. But she encouraged me and said that I could still be happy with my teeth. So I agreed to the treatment with hope. And I can actually say that I feel good about my teeth today.
My dentist, whom I was a patient with before, kept telling me that I had this disease. Periodontitis was mentioned. He urged me to see a specialist dentist. But since I felt no pain, I didn’t see the point of special treatment. Why spend a lot of money, I wondered. But when my teeth suddenly started to wobble, I was shocked. Especially since my mother had always struggled with dental problems. I already knew at that point that the disease was hereditary.
Unfortunately, my periodontitis was already far advanced when I started treatment. I had to have six teeth pulled. The silver lining: They were molars, without which you can get along reasonably well in everyday life. Afterward, I had to undergo several surgical procedures. The germs that had led to chronic gum inflammation and thus to periodontal pockets were removed. Bone that had been attacked by the bacteria also had to be rebuilt.
Dr. Stöcklin-Wasmer told me that I had severe periodontitis. Although the diagnosis was hard, I am very grateful to her for this information. As a patient, it is helpful when the dentist speaks clearly without using jargon. I could understand everything she told me."
What I particularly appreciated was the tone of the conversation. At that time, I was still a heavy smoker. Unfortunately, smoking is a risk factor in periodontitis, as I later learned. Nevertheless, the specialist dentist did not blame me; she never made me feel like the disease was my fault. On the contrary: I was always encouraged to clean and care for my teeth well. Instructions were given; they showed me exactly how to clean the interdental spaces with the right brushes and gave me a mouthwash to use.
Smoking was always a topic. I became aware that my dental health was largely in my hands. The way I was treated positively affected my behavior. I realized that I definitely wanted to prevent further tooth loss. So, I accomplished the impossible and reduced my cigarette consumption to a minimum. Maybe I’ll even quit smoking altogether at a later date. I tell myself: Step by step.
Overall, I feel much better today than before the treatment. Since my pus-filled periodontal pockets are gone, I no longer have bad breath. The circulatory problems caused by the years of chronic inflammation have also disappeared, so I can be physically active again. I also pay attention to a healthy diet. Dr. Stöcklin-Wasmer was indeed right: I have developed a joy for my teeth.
I think it’s important that dentists draw attention to periodontitis and quickly refer patients to a specialist dentist. If I had known more about the disease and its consequences, I would have gone to a specialist sooner. To all those who suffer from bleeding gums or bad breath, I would say: Protect your precious teeth and get treatment immediately."
Dr. Christin Stöcklin-Wasmer is committed to the early detection of periodontitis – because healthy gums are quality of life, says the specialist dentist.
In Switzerland, almost half of the population suffers from periodontitis. Why is this disease so widespread?
Periodontitis causes no pain. Therefore, many patients do not seek treatment. We often only see those affected when the disease is already well advanced.
How can this be changed?
The Swiss Society of Periodontology (SSP) places great emphasis on raising awareness. We do educational work and want to encourage people to take action. It is important that treating dentists make patients aware of periodontitis and refer them to a specialist dental practice as soon as possible. However, this only works if patients are informed about the disease and agree to treatment.
How can periodontitis be recognized?
Clear indications are bleeding gums and bad breath, which is caused by inflamed, sometimes pus-filled periodontal pockets. As the disease progresses, the teeth begin to wobble.
What are the consequences of untreated periodontitis?
In addition to an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth, tooth loss threatens in the long run. But the consequences are more extensive. Untreated periodontitis has serious effects on health. It is a chronic inflammation in the body that weakens the immune system.
What does that mean?
Periodontitis can lead to cardiovascular problems, heart attacks, strokes, or diabetes in the long term. In addition, pregnant women with periodontitis have an increased risk of preterm birth. Recent research shows that Alzheimer’s and pneumonia can also occur. Therefore, targeted treatment not only benefits the teeth but also reduces the risk of being affected by one of the most common chronic diseases.
Further information and a list of periodontologists: parodontologie.ch.