Do you know one of the most common reasons for tooth loss? No, it’s not getting punched in the face. Think again!
Ding, ding, ding - periodontal disease! Commonly known as gum disease, this inflammatory disease affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. Periodontal means “around the tooth”, which refers to the gums and bone. It’s a sneaky one because many people who have it don’t know, since it’s typically painless in the beginning.
Red Flags
And we mean literal RED flags – blood. The classic signs of periodontal disease are puffy, red, and sore gums. Beware though because there are other symptoms too.
Here are the most common ones:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Pain, redness, or swelling
- Pus (infection alert!)
- Sudden tooth spacing
- Tenderness or discomfort
The symptoms mentioned above could also signal many other oral health problems, so only a trip to the dentist will determine the cause. Your dentist will perform a periodontal exam to assess the health of your gums. A periodontal probe is used to measure the pockets (spaces) between the tooth and the gums. Healthy pockets measure 3mm or less and do not bleed. Deeper pockets and bleeding indicate periodontal problems. In order to provide an accurate diagnosis, your dentist will take into consideration the following: amount of bleeding, inflammation, pocket depth, and tooth mobility.
There are varying stages of the periodontal disease. Symptoms can usually be treated and reversed if caught early on; however, the most severe stages can result in serious (sometimes permanent), damage to the mouth. Ah!
Gingivitis: This is the first and mildest stage of periodontal disease. It’s caused by the toxins in plaque irritating the gums, which makes them sore and likely to bleed. Prompt treatment consisting of both professional and at-home care can often reverse the disease entirely.
Periodontitis: This stage is known as “chronic periodontal disease” and is commonly seen in middle aged people and older. Excess buildup of plaque and tartar leads to gum recession. The pockets between the gums and teeth deepen, which creates a space for bacteria and pus to harbor. When that happens, the gums become extremely bothered, bloody, and inflamed. Slight bone loss is possible.
Advanced Periodontitis: To put it bluntly, if you don’t act quickly this late in the game, you’ll probably lose some teeth. At this stage, also known as “aggressive periodontal disease”, progression happens fast. Moderate to severe bone loss is very possible. Dentists will attempt to treat the symptoms with every noninvasive method available, but sometimes surgical intervention is necessary.
In certain cases, periodontal disease could be caused by a health condition or system disease affecting the entire body. Things such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart disease, and even pregnancy can exacerbate periodontal disease.
The following are risk factors for developing periodontal disease:
- Certain medication
- Genetics
- Menopause
- Middle age and up
- Pregnancy
- Poor diet
- Systemic diseases
- Teeth grinding
Treatment options for periodontal disease vary depending on the severity of the case. Often times, the patient will undergo a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). This type of deep cleaning consists of removing (scaling) tartar, plaque, and toxins from above and below the gum line and smoothing (planing) rough spots on root surfaces. If scaling and root planing are unsuccessful, then periodontal surgery might be a last resort.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.