Woman showing discomfort from pain caused by Periodontitis
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Periodontitis

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Healthy gums are part of a bright smile and a sign of overall good health. While we tend to focus on the health of teeth, gums are just as crucial. Many people may not usually understand the significant impact that gum problems can have on their overall health. That is why understanding the signs, causes, and treatments of gum disease is essential. 

Gum disease, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious gum condition called periodontitis. Read on to learn more about periodontitis, its symptoms, underlying causes, complications, and the treatment options that are available. 

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that affects the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum disease usually starts with gingivitis. It can progress to periodontitis if not treated early. In periodontitis, gum inflammation spreads to the deeper connective tissues, including the bone, that support the teeth.

As the gum infection progresses, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, commonly known as gum recession. This, in turn, forms periodontal pockets that can become infected. If the condition is not taken care of, these pockets can deepen, leading to the breakdown of the bone and tissue that keep the teeth in place. This can eventually result in tooth loss.

What Are The Symptoms of Periodontitis?

Periodontitis might not show clear signs in its early stages. Symptoms usually appear when the disease has become more serious and advanced. Most of its symptoms are similar to those of early gum disease symptoms, which may make it difficult to identify. Here are some common symptoms of periodontitis:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

  • Receding gums

  • Sore or tender gums

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Shifting or loose teeth

  • Pain when chewing

  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth

What Causes Periodontitis?

The main cause behind the development of periodontitis is the buildup of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is harder to remove, and your body’s immune response to the bacterial infection can cause gum inflammation.

Here are some of the common causes and risk factors for periodontitis:

  • Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause plaque and eventually tartar buildup, leading to gum disease.

  • Consuming sugary foods and drinks: Bacteria can thrive in foods and drinks rich in sugar and can contribute to the accumulation of plaque.

  • Medical conditions: Certain health conditions, like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, can increase the risk of periodontitis. 

  • Nutritional deficiencies: Poor nutrition can weaken the gums and raise infection risk. This includes a lack of vitamin C, D, and K.

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco: Using tobacco can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the gums to heal from the disease.

  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, can make gums more sensitive and prone to disease.

  • Genetics: Some people may be genetically more likely to develop gum disease, making them at higher risk even with good oral care.

  • Chronic stress: Stress can affect the immune system. This can make it harder for your body to fight off infections, including those affecting the gums.

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What Are The Complications of Periodontitis?

The effects of periodontal disease can go beyond the mouth and may lead to other systemic diseases. While the connection between periodontitis and other health issues is not fully understood, studies suggest there might be a link. Some of the common health problems linked to periodontitis include:

  • Heart diseases: Although it is not proven that gum disease causes heart problems, people with gum disease may have an increased risk of clogged arteries and cardiac infections. 

  • Diabetes: Gum disease and diabetes are considered to affect each other. High blood sugar can harm oral health, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar. 

  • Respiratory diseases: Inflammation and the inhalation of bacteria from the infected gums may cause asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even pneumonia. 

  • Chronic kidney disease: Although it is not proven that one causes the other, studies have found that gum disease is common in people with chronic kidney disease.

  • Stroke: Periodontal disease is also believed to contribute to an increased risk of stroke caused by blocked arteries.

  • Premature birth: Gum disease during pregnancy may raise the risk of preterm birth and result in the baby being born with a lower birth weight.

How is Periodontitis Treated?

If you are wondering how to manage periodontitis to avoid further damage to the gums and support teeth structure, various treatments are available. However, the periodontal treatment usually varies depending on the severity of the case, the site, and other systemic factors. Periodontal treatment usually includes surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment involves professional cleaning, which includes scaling and root planing (cleaning the teeth and tooth roots). In the process, the areas both above and below the gumline are cleaned to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. It helps in smoothing the root surfaces.

Apart from dental cleaning, fixing or temporarily treating cavities and practising good oral hygiene can help. Your dentist might also prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated mouthwashes to fight the infection, or they may apply a topical antibiotic under your gums to treat the affected area directly.

Surgical Treatment

If you are experiencing moderate to advanced periodontitis, surgery may be needed for deeper cleaning or to reduce the depth of the gum pockets. Apart from the surgical options, removing the impacted teeth that cannot be saved through treatments and placing dental implants to replace lost teeth are also practised. Some of the common surgical treatments include:

  • Gum Graft Surgery: This surgery, also known by the name tissue grafting, aims to stop the gums from pulling back from the tooth surface, prevent bone loss, and reduce sensitivity. In the procedure, the periodontist takes gum tissue from the roof of your mouth or another source to cover exposed tooth roots.

  • Periodontal Pocket Reduction: When periodontal pockets become too deep, they are hard to clean with regular brushing and flossing. In these cases, a periodontal pocket reduction, also called flap surgery, might be needed. During this procedure, the periodontist makes small cuts in the gums to flap back the tissue. This helps the gum tissue reattach the bone and regenerate the lost bone.

  • Regenerative Procedures: Guided tissue regeneration procedures help reverse the damage caused to the bones and tissues that support your teeth. After folding back the gum tissue and removing harmful bacteria, materials like membranes, bone grafts, or proteins are used to help regenerate the tissues that support the teeth.

When to See a Dental Professional?

During regular dental examinations, your dentist will be able to identify the early signs of periodontitis. If you have gum disease, they may use a tiny ruler called a periodontal probe to measure the pockets on your gums. Additionally, visiting a dentist can also help remove plaque and tartar through regular dental cleaning. They may also take a dental x-ray to provide the best diagnosis and periodontal treatment.

While periodontitis is a common oral disease affecting many, maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent its occurrence and ensure your gum health. Practising regular brushing with proper toothpaste and toothbrush, along with interdental cleaning tools like dental floss, can help keep plaque and tartar at bay. If you notice any signs of periodontitis, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for a thorough examination and timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can you fully recover from periodontal disease?

    2. Periodontal disease cannot be completely cured, but it can be properly managed with the right treatment. Once the structural support around your teeth is lost, it typically cannot be fully restored. However, periodontal treatment can help reduce the infection and partially rebuild the bone and tissue.

  2. How long will teeth last with periodontitis?

    3. If advanced periodontal disease goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. However, there is no right answer for how long you can keep your teeth with the disease. It largely depends on how early the condition is detected and how advanced the symptoms are.

  3. Will gums grow back after periodontitis?

    4. No, if the gums are damaged due to periodontitis, it is not possible for those receding gums to grow back. However, there are periodontal treatments to reverse the receding gums. This will help to stop the problem from getting worse.

  4. Can mouthwash stop periodontitis?

    5. Using mouthwash can help reduce the chance of getting early gum disease as it gets rid of bacteria. However, it is not considered to stop periodontitis. Adding mouthwash to the daily oral care routine can also help lower the chance of plaque buildup.

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