Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a disease that develops in the gum pockets of the teeth. It is a major risk factor in tooth loss, and if not treated, can eventually lead to tooth loss. There are no single treatments for periodontal disease that will cure it. You need to follow a preventative regimen that will help reduce the rate at which the disease develops and progresses.
It will be more difficult for you to recover from periodontal disease if you are a smoker. It could be difficult also if you suffer from diabetes or have other medical conditions that weaken your immune system.
Early Signs And Symptoms
This condition is characterized by gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. The gums are the soft tissue covering the teeth and jaws and help hold the teeth in place. One of the first signs of gum disease is a pain when biting down on food. This is called periodontitis.
In other words, if you can’t bite down on a piece of bread or a sandwich without feeling the pain, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. And if you feel pain when brushing or flossing, that’s another sign. If this is happening, it’s time to get to the dentist.
If you notice any of these common signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing periodontal disease. The early signs are often painless, and you may not notice that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding. But, if you pay close attention to your teeth and gums, you might discover that they are starting to shift around or that your teeth and gums have started to loosen.
Causes Of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and your teeth. There are several causes for periodontal disease, one of the most common forms of gum disease. Causes of periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and aging.
Your bone and connective tissue begin to recede from the gum line as you get older. This means there’s more room for bacteria and plaque to cause damage. Bacteria can also enter the tooth through dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and even chewing gum.
If you’re a woman, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal disease than men. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that women should be screened more frequently for gum diseases.
Types Of Periodontal Disease
There are six different types of periodontal disease that are common. Let’s take a look at them in a bit more detail –
Gingivitis
This type of periodontal disease affects the gums and can be quite painful. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, then there is a chance to fix it.
Periodontitis
This is more advanced gum disease and is a serious problem. It also affects the nerves in the mouth and can be quite painful. If left untreated, this type of periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.
Apical Periodontitis
This is another very severe problem that can lead to tooth loss. This type of periodontal disease affects the bone in the root area.
Systemic Periodontitis
This refers to the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It is a condition that causes the bones to lose their ligamentous support and can lead to tooth loss. This ultimately leads to the loosening and loss of the teeth.
Aggressive Periodontitis
This is characterized by rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss and can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone and teeth. It is a type of periodontal disease that occurs more frequently among adults, especially Caucasians between 30 and 50.
Necrotizing Periodontal
People suffering from this also suffer from other systemic diseases. All these factors make this a more complicated case to treat.
Treatment
When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re talking about gum disease. The gums line the inside of your mouth and support the teeth. Gum disease affects about 40% of Americans. If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed, but it’s very difficult to treat if it progresses to periodontitis.
The good news about gum disease is that it can be controlled and treated. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, take steps to improve your oral hygiene and seek the help of a dental professional to treat the problem. Your dentist or a periodontist will provide you with a full examination of your mouth, which will help determine if you need any additional treatments.
Prevention
The key to prevention is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. By eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods and limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and regular dental visits, you can help prevent periodontal disease.
