Many of you may have been experiencing tender or bleeding gums. This can be a sign of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Early periodontal disease usually starts when the bacterial growth in the mouth affects the gums, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term consequences for both oral and overall health. However, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help prevent the progression of this condition.
In this article, we will explore periodontal disease, the common causes and symptoms of gum disease, the various treatment options available, and preventive measures.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the tissues that hold the teeth in place. The term periodontal means “around the tooth” and refers to the periodontium, which includes the gums, ligaments, and bones surrounding the teeth. Poor oral hygiene habits can greatly contribute to this condition, as it can lead to the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth and hardens.
This chronic infection can destroy the structures supporting your teeth (such as the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone) and may eventually cause tooth loss. As a progressive disease, its severity varies depending on the specific form of gum disease present. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the long-term consequences of periodontal disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
There are three phases of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each phase has unique symptoms that help identify it easily. Below are the phases with the different periodontal disease symptoms.
Gingivitis: It is the first stage of gum disease and displays symptoms including red, swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing and flossing, receding gum line, and bad breath. This early stage is common and also reversible.
Periodontitis: At this stage of gum disease, the soft tissues are damaged and the bones that support the teeth are lost. The common symptoms of moderate periodontitis include swollen, bright red gums, tender gums, the formation of periodontal pockets (space between the teeth),the buildupp of pus between teeth and gums, bad breath or bad taste, and loose teeth.
Advanced periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease and is most severe, resulting in the shifting and loosening of teeth. The symptoms include chronic bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, severe receding gums, deep periodontal pockets, loose teeth, and misaligned teeth.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
If you are wondering what is the cause of periodontitis, it is the accumulation of plaque. Poor oral hygiene contributes to plaque buildup, and bacteria thrive on it. If dental plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, causing the gums to recede from the tooth surfaces. Other risk factors that add up to the periodontitis causes include:
Deficiencies in vitamins C, D, and K
Misaligned or overcrowded teeth, as well as the use of braces and bridges
Habitual teeth grinding, gritting, or clenching
Various medications
Health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Stress
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Genetic factors
Smoking and tobacco use
What Are The Complications of Periodontal Disease?
Sometimes, the impact of periodontal disease can go beyond the mouth, straining the immune system and affecting overall health. Gum disease can contribute to other health problems, including:
Heart disease: Gum infections might increase the risk of clogged arteries and cardiac infections, worsening existing heart conditions.
Stroke: Periodontal disease could increase the risk of stroke due to blocked arteries.
Respiratory disease: Oral bacteria may spread to the lungs, causing lung infections or worsening existing lung issues.
Diabetes: Managing blood sugar levels can be challenging for people with diabetes if they also have periodontal disease. In turn, diabetes can contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
If affected by gum disease, you might be searching for an answer to how to get rid of periodontal disease. The treatment for gum disease usually varies depending on the severity of the case. Some of the common periodontal treatments include:
Scaling and root planing: For gingivitis, non-surgical treatments can help restore periodontal health. One such method is scaling, which involves deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Another technique is root planing, where plaque and tartar are removed from the root surfaces and rough spots are smoothened to prevent bacterial buildup, promoting healing and reattachment of the connective tissue to the teeth.
Periodontal gum surgery: A pocket reduction procedure might be necessary if the periodontal pockets around your teeth become too deep to clean effectively with regular at-home oral care and professional periodontal disease treatments. In this procedure, the periodontist uses a periodontal probe to measure the pockets and makes small incisions in your gums to flap back the tissue for more thorough scaling and root planing. This helps the gum tissue reattach to the teeth.
Gum graft surgery: If periodontal disease advances and gums start to recede, the periodontist might suggest surgery to reshape the gums or graft new tissue over exposed tooth roots. During this procedure, the periodontist typically takes gum tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the roots, protecting your teeth from decay, bone loss, and further recession.
Regenerative procedures: When periodontitis has damaged the bone supporting your teeth, regenerative procedures like bone grafting might help repair some of the harm. After the periodontist exposes the root and removes the bacteria, they may graft bone around the tooth to encourage the body to regenerate lost bone and tissue. Over time, if sufficient bone is present, you may become a candidate for dental implants to replace any lost teeth.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
With all this information in mind, you may be wondering, how can periodontal disease be prevented? As the severe effects of periodontal disease cannot be reversed completely, taking some preventive measures by practicing good oral hygiene may help to stop the progression of the condition.
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque.
Floss daily to clear plaque from between your teeth.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily.
Maintain a diet rich in nutritious foods and limit your sugar intake.
Stop smoking or using tobacco products.
Visit your dental professional every six months for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
When to See a Dental Professional?
If you are wondering how to cure periodontal disease, consulting a dental professional is the right step to take. In severe cases of periodontitis, they may take a dental X-ray to diagnose the extensive damage to the bone and supporting structures, which can be fixed with surgical options or by extracting the tooth. Your dental professional may also offer reconstructive options to restore your oral health and avoid tooth loss. Additionally, getting a professional dental cleaning can help avoid plaque buildup, which contributes to periodontal disease.
Understanding what is periodontal disease, its signs and symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment options can help in maintaining oral and overall health. Recognizing the symptoms early can also help in taking proactive steps in preventing and managing the condition. Practicing good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care with frequent dental cleanings from a hygienist can aid in avoiding the severe consequences associated with periodontal disease. Stay informed and consult your dental professional for personalized advice and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is periodontal disease curable?
Can you fix periodontal disease?
Can periodontitis be cured permanently?
How do you know if you have periodontal disease?
Gum disease is not typically curable, but it can be managed with proper dental care and treatment. However, effective treatment for early periodontal disease can help reduce the infection and rebuild the damaged bone and tissue.
You cannot completely fix periodontal disease, however, with proper periodontal treatment, you can manage it effectively. Practicing good oral hygiene and getting professional cleanings can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
The answer to the common question of how to cure periodontal disease is that there is no permanent cure for it. You can only manage the condition with proper care and treatment. Consulting a dental professional can help in diagnosing the condition and getting effective periodontal treatment.
If you need an answer to the question of how do you know if you have periodontal disease, the easiest way is to look for symptoms. Common symptoms include red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums. Consulting a dental professional is recommended for a proper diagnosis.