Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can result in tooth loss and other major health problems. Periodontitis (peri-e-o-don-ti-e-tis), commonly known as gum disease, is a dangerous gum infection that affects soft tissue and can ruin the bone that supports your teeth if left untreated. The two main types of periodontitis are chronic progressive and chronic recurrent. With both types of periodontitis, the body produces antibodies to fight the bacteria that cause the infection. Over time, these antibodies destroy the gums' supportive tissues.
The severity of periodontal disease ranges from mild to severe. If you have mild periodontal disease, then your risk for developing serious complications is low. However, if you have severe periodontal disease, your risk for developing serious complications such as heart disease or stroke increases.
Treatment for periodontal disease includes scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the doctor will remove any bacterial deposits from your teeth and fill any gaps between your teeth with resin or cement. You may also be given instructions on how to prevent further infections by changing your brushing technique and frequency. In some cases, patients may need oral surgery to repair damaged tissue or improve viewing of the dentition for dental hygiene purposes.
It's important to visit the dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups.
Advanced periodontitis with persistent infection eroding the gums and teeth characterizes Stage 4 periodontal disease. Bone loss is typically more than 50%. Bacteria from infected gums, teeth, and bone can enter the circulation and cause kidney, liver, and heart damage. Periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 35 years old.
Stage 4 periodontal disease is a serious condition that requires treatment to prevent further destruction of supporting tissues. Treatment may include oral hygiene instructions, antibiotics, dental implants, or surgery. If left untreated, this disease will lead to premature tooth loss.
The four stages of periodontal disease are:
Stage 1 - Gingivitis - Bleeding gums when touched or flossed regularly. Early stage disease marked by inflammation of the gingiva, the tissue that covers and surrounds the teeth. This tissue becomes inflamed due to poor oral hygiene-not enough brushing and no cleaning between your teeth.
Stage 2 - Mild Periodontitis - Localized bone loss around certain teeth. At this stage, the body's immune system fights off the bacteria that cause the disease, but it cannot fight all of them off. Thus, mild periodontitis is characterized by localized areas of bone loss around certain teeth. The immune system remains strong enough to protect other parts of the mouth.
Periodontics is essentially a discipline of dentistry that deals with the treatment of the oral structures that surround and support the teeth. The jawbone, gums, and surrounding oral tissue can all be affected by the continuous plaque accumulation that causes gingivitis and gum disease. If not treated, this chronic infection may lead to loss of bone and connective tissue around the teeth, resulting in tooth extraction or tooth loss.
The goal of periodontal therapy is to prevent further damage to the gums and bones that support the teeth by performing comprehensive examinations of your mouth and providing treatments as needed. During your periodontal examination, your dentist will measure the level of inflammation present in your gums and determine if you are at risk for developing periodontal disease. He or she will also take x-rays and examine your teeth for signs of damage caused by the disease.
Typically, gum inflammation (gingivitis) does not create serious difficulties at first. However, it has the potential to migrate to other areas of the periodontium (the soft tissue and bone responsible for keeping our teeth firmly fixed) and cause injury. For example, bacteria may enter the bloodstream through a break in your gums and travel to other parts of your body where they can cause problems such as heart disease or pneumonia.
If this happens, the infected area must be removed by a dentist so that further damage cannot occur. The healthy tissues around the infected area should be preserved as much as possible so that their growth is not inhibited. This will help ensure that you do not continue to suffer from the problem.
In addition to cleaning your teeth daily and visiting the dentist regularly, here are some things you can do at home to prevent further damage:
Eat a nutritious diet full of fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight infection and promote healing! Be sure to include foods high in fiber such as apples, carrots, beans, potatoes, and berries. They all contribute to maintaining healthy digestion system.
Avoid smoking and drink alcohol in moderation if you want to keep your mouth healthy. Alcohol can dry out your mouth while tobacco increases your risk of developing cancer.
Plaque accumulation can also cause gum disease, beginning with gingivitis, which causes painful, swollen, and occasionally bleeding gums. Severe periodontal (gum) disease can develop over time. Gum tissue peels away from the teeth, enabling germs to attack the underlying bone that holds the teeth in place. This process can lead to loss of supporting bone structure around some or all of the teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Studies show that people who have periodontal disease are about twice as likely as those without it to develop cardiovascular disease. They may be more likely to develop severe forms of the disease as well. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to pneumonia. People who suffer from lung disorders like asthma or chronic bronchitis are at increased risk for developing pneumonia if they don't take care of their dental hygiene.
Good oral hygiene is very important. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone visit the dentist at least once every six months for cleaning and check-ups. However, if you have gum disease, we recommend coming in more frequently so your dentist can remove any bacteria-filled tartar before it causes further damage to your gums.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, there are several things you can do at home to prevent gum disease.
A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They also assist you in managing symptoms of advanced gum disease, such as oral irritation. Gum disease occurs when the tissue around your teeth becomes infected, resulting in inflammation. This can lead to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues including bone and connective tissue. Proper treatment by a periodontist may include scaling, root planning, surgery, or medication.
Gum disease is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. If not treated properly, it can cause severe damage to supporting bone and tissue, leading to losing teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 80% of Americans will suffer from some form of gum disease during their lives. However, only 20% of those people will seek treatment because of the associated pain with advanced cases. Treatment includes cleaning your mouth daily using a soft brush and an antibacterial rinse; seeing your dentist regularly for checkups; and treating any underlying medical conditions. If you are at risk for developing gum disease, it's important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Advanced gum disease may result in the loss of teeth. With proper treatment, though, gum disease can be prevented or reversed. A periodontist is a specialist who has received additional training in gum disease management. They will be able to diagnose your case and provide appropriate treatments.