Periodontitis, or gum disease, can occur in a person as a result of infections and inflammation of the gums.
This can cause a lot of discomfort and, in the worst case, can cause the teeth to loosen and even fall out.
Periodontitis is more common in older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gingivitis. That number rises to 70.1% in adults over 65.
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Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from gum disease.
Here’s a look at the different stages and the symptoms you should be aware of.
Keep your teeth clean to prevent gingivitis. (iStock)
- What are the four stages of periodontal disease?
- Can periodontitis be cured?
- What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
- How can I prevent periodontitis?
- What are the risk factors of periodontitis?
1. What are the four stages of periodontal disease?
There are four general stages of gingivitis. The first is gingivitis.
At this stage, you will start to see some symptoms, but they will be less severe than the more advanced stages of the disease. For example, you may notice that your gums are red and swollen, but usually no bone loss has occurred yet. You could also experience bleeding gums at this early stage.
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Gingivitis can then become mild periodontitis if left untreated. At this point, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and some bone will be lost. At this stage plaque, tartar and bacteria will begin to build up.
As gum disease develops, it can become more uncomfortable and symptoms will worsen. (iStock)
The next stage is moderate periodontitis, which is essentially a more advanced version of mild periodontitis.
At this stage more bone loss will occur and bacteria will continue to grow.
The last stage is severe periodontitis. At this point, the gums will begin to bleed, if not already, and pus may be evident.
Chronic bad breath is likely to occur and teeth may fall out at this point.
2. Can periodontitis be cured?
Although there is no cure for periodontitis, it can be treated. How it is managed depends on how severe the disease is. In the early stages, good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular appointments can help manage the disease.
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In later stages, deeper cleaning will be needed, medications may need to be taken, and sometimes surgery will be needed.
Get into the habit of visiting the dentist on a regular basis for checkups and good cleanings. (iStock)
3. What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Common symptoms of periodontitis are bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth that does not go away, red and/or swollen gums, bleeding gums, pain when chewing, loose teeth, tooth sensitivity and pulling. of the gums from the teeth.
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If you notice a change in the way your dentures fit or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or smile, these are other signs that periodontitis may be present.
4. How can I prevent periodontitis?
The best way to prevent periodontitis is good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day as well as visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. It’s a good idea to get into the routine of scheduling a dental appointment once every six months, or at least once a year, to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Give your teeth a good brush and floss every day to keep your oral health in check. (iStock)
5. What are the risk factors of periodontitis?
There are several risk factors that could increase a person’s risk of developing periodontitis.
These risks include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, high stress, crooked teeth, underlying immune deficiencies, taking medications that lead to dry mouth, fillings that no longer work properly, and changes in female hormones, either due to pregnancy or oral contraceptive use, according to with the CDC.
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