What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal diesease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth.
Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Treating periodontal disease in the early stages can help prevent tooth loss.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
It can be hard to know. You can have periodontal disease without clear symptoms. That’s why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important.
Several warning signs can signal a problem. If you notice any of the following, see your dentist:
- gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- red, swollen, or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- bad breath that doesn’t go away
- pus between the teeth and gums
- loose or separating teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that is always forming on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that produce harmful toxins. If teeth are not cleaned well, the toxins can irritate and inflame the gums.
Inflamed gums can pull away from teeth and form spaces called pockets. The pockets provide a home for more bacteria. If the infected pockets are not treated, the disease can get worse. The bone and other tissues that support teeth are damaged.
Plaque can be removed if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss (or use another between-the-teeth cleaner) daily. If plaque stays on teeth, it can harden into a rough surface called tartar. Tartar can only be removed when teeth are cleaned at the dental office.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
A good oral hygiene routine practiced for a few minutes twice a day can help reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Are you at risk?
- People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal disease.
- Diseases that affect the whole body–such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDS–can lower resistance to infection, making periodontal disease more severe.
- Many medications–like steroids, some anti-seizure drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs and birth control pills–can affect the gums. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva. A lack of saliva can result in a constant dry mouth, which can irritate soft tissues. Tell your dentist about all your medications and any changes that occur in your health.
- Teens, pregnant women, and those taking birth control pills face changes in the body’s hormone levels. These changes can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to the toxins produced by bacteria.
- Genes may play a role.
- The bacteria associated with periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between partners. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed through saliva.
Types of periodontal diseases
There are many types of periodontal diseases. People of all ages can be affected, from children to seniors.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis can be reversed with treatment in the dental office and good oral care at home.
Chronic Periodontitis is a form of periodontal disease that results in swelling and redness in the tissues around the teeth. Patients suffer loss of tissue and bone that may become more severe over time. In chronic periodontitis, pockets form and/or gum tissue pulls back. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.
Aggressive Periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone. This disease may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease is a form of periodontitis that is the result of a specific disease or disorder. Patients who have certain blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases results in the death (or necrosis) of tissues surrounding the tooth and connecting bone. This most commonly comes with pain, bleeding, and a foul odor. These infections can partly be caused by stress, tobacco use, malnutrition, and HIV infection.
Stages of Periodontal Diseases