Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDSMedically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS
Periodontitis (gum disease) occurs when the gums become infected and inflamed due to a plaque buildup and tartar in the teeth. This condition—which is common among older adults in the United States—progresses in stages from mild to severe.
Although periodontitis is not curable, it is manageable if diagnosed early with proper treatment and oral hygiene habits at home. This article reviews the stages of periodontitis, treatment and management tips.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Stages and symptoms of periodontitis
Periodontitis develops in stages. Based on data from 2009 to 2014, experts estimated that 4 in 10 US adults age 30 and older had mild, moderate or severe forms of periodontitis.
How does mild periodontitis start?
Periodontitis initially begins with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which is reversible. First you will notice bleeding gums never brushing or flossing, along with plaque. Plaque is a buildup of food and bacteria on the teeth that can occur without regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings.
After this point the early or mild stage of periodontitis begins. During this time, the gums begin to move away (retreat) from the teeth. Small pockets of bacteria will also form between the gums and teeth. More bleeding occurs when brushing and flossing, and bone loss may develop.
Progressive Periodontitis
If left untreated, periodontitis progresses to moderate gingivitis. At this stage, moreover gum recession occurs, along with more bleeding and pain when brushing. Bacteria in the area lead to an infection that can spread deeper into the teeth and can trigger an inflammatory immune system response throughout the rest of the body.
At this time, there may be bone loss and your teeth may start to feel loose.
Advanced Periodontitis
The gums, bone and tissue surrounding the teeth are destroyed in advanced gingivitis.
Common symptoms of advanced periodontitis include:
At this point, surgery is often required to treat severe infection and inflammation.
Goal of Periodontitis Treatment
Periodontitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, removing plaque from the surface of the tooth, and eliminating pockets of bacteria in the gums.
Once periodontitis has progressed beyond the gingivitis stage (initial gum infection), it is no longer reversible, but it can still be treated and treated to reduce the chances of further complications.
How does periodontitis develop?
Periodontitis usually develops in people with insufficient oral hygiene or dental care.
In addition, several other factors make it more likely to develop gingivitis. For example, in a 2009 to 2014 survey of US adults aged 30 and over, the following factors were found to increase the chances of developing periodontitis:
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Poor oral hygiene: This is still the number one reason.
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Genetics: Having a family history of gingivitis can increase the chance of developing periodontitis despite good oral hygiene habits.
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Smoking status: Of the current smokers in the survey, 62% had periodontitis.
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Age: About 60% of adults age 65 and older develop periodontitis.
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Drug side effects: Oral birth control, certain heart disease medications, and certain antidepressants have been shown to affect oral health and the development of periodontitis.
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Stress: Research shows that chronic stress can affect the body’s ability to fight infections that lead to oral health diseases like periodontitis.
Social and structural determinants it may also affect the risk of gum disease. The same survey showed that periodontitis disproportionately affected nearly 57% of non-Hispanic Black adults and 60% of Mexican American adults age 30 and older.
Income status plays a part. Periodontitis was seen in 60% of respondents who reported living below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Periodontitis and health conditions
Certain conditions such as diabetes, which is common in adults with periodontitis, are associated with the development of gingivitis. Other health conditions and conditions that may be associated with periodontitis include:
Experts believe that inflammation may be a key factor behind these links.
Why is the diagnosis of periodontitis important?
Oral health affects a person’s overall health, including the development of certain chronic diseases. The good news is that periodontitis can be controlled if caught early. That’s why it’s so important to get an early diagnosis — which starts with a dental checkup.
During a dental checkup, a dentist or other dental health care provider will ask questions about your medical history, including whether you live with certain conditions such as diabetes or have ever smoked—both of which can lead to in periodontitis.
Then they may do some tests to come to a diagnosis. These include:
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Gum examinationin which your gums are carefully examined with a measuring instrument for signs of inflammation and pockets of tissue between the tooth and the gums
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x-raywhich involves taking pictures of the teeth and mouth to determine if bone loss has progressed
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Bacterial culturein which a swab from the mouth is analyzed to see if it is high in bacteria that may predispose to periodontitis.
You may also be referred to a periodontist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis.
Access to Dental Care
For people who don’t have access dental insurancedo you know that free or low cost dental care may be available in your area if needed.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides information on resources such as community health centers, dental schoolsthe clinical tests that offer such services.
Treatment based on the stage of periodontitis
Periodontitis treatment options are primarily based on the stage of gum disease. For example, your dental healthcare provider may recommend:
Permanent Changes and Complications of Periodontitis
Periodontitis can cause complications and permanent changes to the teeth if not treated early.
Complications may include:
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Tooth loss
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Tooth displacement or flares (protruding at an angle)
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A tooth abscess, which is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection
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Infection of the jaw
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Soft tissue infection
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Irreversible deterioration of the jaw
Oral health issues such as periodontitis can also significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Daily activities such as chewing, speaking and confidence in social settings can be affected by periodontitis.
How to prevent and manage periodontitis
Periodontitis is preventable and can be treated once diagnosed. Some of the keys include practicing healthy oral hygiene habits, promoting overall wellness, and seeking regular dental care.
The main oral hygiene tactics recommended by experts to prevent periodontitis include:
Other lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors include eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking.
To manage your oral health with a diagnosis of periodontitis, your dental health professional will likely recommend a treatment plan that includes exams every several months to monitor the stage of periodontitis.
Prevention of periodontitis at home
The best ways to prevent periodontitis include taking care of your teeth and gums at home. While brushing, flossing and maintaining a well-balanced diet may seem tedious, remember that just a few minutes a day with preventative tactics now can save money and time and prevent diagnoses like gum disease in the future.
Summary
Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the gums. The damage caused by active periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be treated to prevent further damage. This common condition has symptoms such as bleeding gums, pain, loose teeth and bad breath. It often develops in older adults, particularly when oral hygiene and dental checkups are lacking.
Periodontitis develops in stages, leading to permanent complications such as tooth loss if not treated early. Because it’s also linked to the development of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a dental care provider as soon as possible if you think you may have periodontitis — in addition to following good oral hygiene habits at home.
Read the original article at Very good health.
