Perio Other – Periodontitis

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a serious gum infection which causes damage to the mouth’s soft tissue. When left untreated, the disease destroys the bone which supports the teeth. Severe cases of periodontitis can also result in the teeth becoming loose or falling out.

Though it is quite common, it is possible to prevent periodontitis. The disease is due to poor oral hygiene. It is important to brush your teeth twice each day, floss daily and attend dental checkups in order to prevent and successfully treat periodontitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Periodontitis does not have many noticeable symptoms in the earliest stages. In most cases, the disease progresses significantly before patients seek treatment.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Bad breath
  • Blood when brushing or flossing
  • Change your bite
  • Development of spaces between your teeth
  • Gums pull away from your teeth
  • Gums which bleed
  • Loose teeth or the loss of teeth
  • Pain with chewing
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Red or purplish colored gums
  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Tender gums

Gingival inflammation and bone destruction do not always result in pain or discomfort. Many people assume that bleeding which is not combined with pain is nothing to be concerned with. This can, however, be an early sign of periodontitis.

Risk Factors

The top factors which increase your risk of having periodontitis include:

  • Conditions which compromise the immune system, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer
  • Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease
  • Genetics or a family history
  • Gingivitis
  • Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause
  • Inadequate oral hygiene
  • Medications which result in a dry mouth or a change in the gums
  • Obesity
  • Poor nutrition
  • Use of tobacco or recreational drugs

Causes

For most patients, periodontitis starts with the formation of plaque. When left untreated, plaque is able to progress into periodontitis. The typical progression is summarized below:

  1. Plaque forms on the teeth when food starches and sugars interact with bacteria in your mouth. While brushing and flossing aid in removing plaque, it quickly returns.
  2. Over time, plaque hardens below the gumline and turns into tartar or calculus. Tartar is more difficult to remove at home and is filled with bacteria. Plaque and tartar which remain on your teeth start to cause damage. It is not possible to remove tartar with regular brushing and flossing. A professional cleaning at the dentist is required for removal.
  3. Plaque can eventually cause gingivitis, a more mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis impacts the gum tissue surrounding your teeth and causes irritation and inflammation. With the proper professional treatment and good oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed.
  4. Ongoing gum inflammation can lead to periodontitis. This eventually results in the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria and grow deeper. When the condition remains untreated, the infections can result in the loss of bone, tissue, and can ultimately cause the teeth to fall out. Chronic inflammation can also damage your immune system.

Prevention

The optimal method for preventing periodontitis is by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. It is vital to start these best practices early and remain consistent.

For most patients, good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice each day. Brushing should occur first thing in the morning and after you are done eating for the day. Good oral hygiene also includes daily flossing. Good oral hygiene aids in preventing the development of a bacteria-filled environment which can result in periodontal disease.

Visit your dentist regularly for an examination and cleanings is also important. For most patients, these visits should occur once or twice each year. For patients who have increased risk factors for periodontitis, it may be necessary to schedule these visits more frequently.