Periodontitis, a prevalent gum disease affecting millions globally, demands our attention. This chronic bacterial infection poses a significant threat to the structures supporting our teeth, urging us to delve into its causes, symptoms, and potential preventive measures.
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that occurs when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, a sticky film on the teeth. Over time, this plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing. The tartar buildup can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to a condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which involves the destruction of the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
Can You Live a Long Life with Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is most treatable with non-surgical procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove all bacteria from the gums and root of the tooth. Combined with proper oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed.
The question if can you live a long life with periodontal disease? You can live a long life with periodontal disease if you manage the condition with treatment and guidance from your dentist. As with any chronic condition, the earlier you seek therapy, the better your chances are of curing gum disease and improving your quality of life.
Periodontal disease is not life-threatening. However, because it’s a progressive disease, leaving the condition untreated means setting yourself up for serious health issues down the road. The chance of tooth loss is much higher among people with periodontal disease. And so is the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
If periodontal disease isn’t treated during the earliest stages, it will continue to damage the gums and bone. The good news is that even at more advanced stages, you can manage periodontal disease with surgical treatments, such as bone and tissue grafts. Those procedures can replace most lost bone and gum tissue and remove bacterial infections. Unfortunately, they cannot completely restore the support tissues and bones around the tooth. To ensure your gums stay healthy, you must closely monitor your oral health via frequent dental checkups.
Factors that Can Increases the Risk of Developing Periodontitis
This gum disease is not exclusive to age, impacting people of all ages. However, it most frequently affects adults. In children it is referred to as juvenile periodontitis.
Contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, specific medical conditions, and certain medications. Certain factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontitis, including:
1. Poor oral hygiene
Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment.
Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Neglecting oral hygiene can cause infections in your teeth and gums that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), tooth loss, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and other problems that can create the climate for worsening dental health.
2. Smoking and tobacco use
People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing mouth cancer (oral), gum problems, losing teeth, decay on the roots of teeth, and complications after tooth removal and gum and oral surgery. If you smoke tobacco or vape, it is important to look after your oral health to prevent dental problems and gum disease.
Smoking and using tobacco products can damage the gums, reducing their ability to heal and increasing the risk of gum disease.
The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum disease to get worse more quickly than in non-smokers. Gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
3. Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in dental health, affecting tooth development, susceptibility to decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. However, proper oral hygiene, regular checkups, and a healthy lifestyle can help combat genetic dental problems and maintain good dental health.
Some people may be more susceptible to periodontitis due to their genes.
Many family have had periodontal problems. This is no coincidence. Current studies suggest that periodontal disease is influenced by heredity, so your genetic makeup truly does have the potential to make you more susceptible to periodontitis.
4. Medical conditions
Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed.
Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer. More than 40% of adults report having felt pain in their mouth within the last year, and more than 80% of people will have had at least one cavity by age 34.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of gum disease.
The Periodontitis Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may vary, but common indicators include swollen, red, or tender gums, bleeding during oral care, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose or shifting teeth. Recognizing these signs promptly can be crucial.
1. Bleeding gums
The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jaw bone disease known as periodontitis.
Bleeding gums are the No. 1 symptom of gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. But bleeding from your gums can also point to other health issues, including hormone fluctuations, vitamin deficiencies, blood-clotting disorders and even stress. Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing may be a sign of periodontitis.
2. Bad breath
One of the main symptoms of this gum disease is bad-smelling breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition needs immediate care by an oral health professional.
Bad breath, is primarily caused by bacteria in the mouth interacting with proteins from our food and saliva. These bacteria thrive in areas without much oxygen such as the back of the tongue and in the pockets that form between the teeth and gums.
Chronic bad breath that is not resolved by brushing or mouthwash may be a sign of periodontitis.
3. Receding gums
There are a number of factors that can cause your gums to recede, including: Periodontal diseases. These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is the main cause of gum recession.
Gums that pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots, may be a sign of periodontitis.
If you notice that your teeth roots are more visible than they used to be or if you have increased teeth sensitivity you could have gum recession. It’s important to call your dentist or periodontist at the first sign of problems.
4. Loose teeth
Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) occurs and is not treated. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums (gingiva) to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.
Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Teeth that are loose or shifting out of position may be a sign of advanced periodontitis.
