Periodontitis is an extremely chronic gum disease wherein damage to the soft tissue and deterioration of the bone supporting your teeth can take place. Tooth loss and further complications could arise from periodontitis if it were left untreated. Its causes, prevention, and symptoms should be enough for you to maintain proper oral health. It is one of the main contributors to the dental problems all over the globe, and it can transfer to general well-being, especially regarding systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

What is Periodontitis?

An infection in the gums and a bacterial infection in the bones that support your teeth are called periodontitis. It starts as a mild disease called gingivitis. When not treated early in its course, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. Plaque impaction triggers the infection when bacteria adhere to the tooth surfaces and later ossify into tartar until it becomes inflamed. Gradually, bacteria move inwards under the gum and form pockets between the gums and teeth. Extending untreated pockets creates severe harm to teeth, leading to their destruction.

Causes of Periodontitis

Some of the Causes of Periodontitis include:

  • Poor mouth health
  • Accidental buildup of plaque and tartar
  • Smoking or tobacco consumption
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Diabetes or other disease
  • Hormonal changes (menstruation, menopause)
  • Certain drugs that reduce saliva production
  • Poor diet with deficient vitamins
  • Chronic stress and a compromised immune system
  • Grunting or clenching teeth (bruxism), which can speed up gum loss
  • Poor oral hygiene and infrequent dental checkups

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Some of the Symptoms of Periodontitis are:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Long-lasting bad breath (halitosis)
  • Recession of the gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Ache when chewing
  • Development of deep pockets between gums and teeth
  • Excessive tooth sensitivity
  • Trouble in the biting together of the teeth
  • Appearance of pus between gums and teeth
  • Discolouration or sensitivity of the gums

Stages of Periodontitis

The stages of Periodontitis happen in a series:

  • Gingivitis: Mild gum inflammation with no bone loss, normally reversible with proper care.
  • Mild Periodontitis: Minimal level of bone loss and separation of the gums, resulting in sensitivity and recession of the gums.
  • Moderate Periodontitis: There is visible loss of bone, more gaps between the gums and teeth, with the teeth looking longer as gums shrink.
  • Severe Periodontitis: Marked loss of bone, deeper gum pockets between the gums and teeth, loose teeth, and extremely high tooth loss risk.

Treatment of Periodontitis

Mild to Aggressive Treatment for Periodontitis:

Non-surgical treatments:

  • Dentist professional cleaning
  • Scaling and root planning (deep scaling)
  • Antibiotic treatment, e.g., topical and oral tablets
  • Better oral hygiene practice and dietary adjustment

Surgical treatment:

  • Pocket reduction surgery (flap surgery)
  • Bone or tissue grafting to stabilize the lost bone and gum tissue
  • Guided tissue regeneration to regenerate new bone
  • Soft tissue grafts to cover the exposed roots of teeth and enhance gum health
  • Laser surgery to remove infected tissue and kill bacterial infection

View More: List of Alarming Signs You Need To See a Dentist


Can Periodontitis be Reversed?

Can Periodontitis Be Reversed? In its early stage (gingivitis), periodontitis can be reversed by professional treatment and oral hygiene. The advanced periodontitis can only be managed, but not reversed. Frequent visits to a dentist and proper cleaning procedures maintain the disease under control and prevent the progression of destruction. Proper maintenance, such as better oral hygiene and lifestyle change, is also needed in order to avoid disease progression.

Prevention of Periodontitis

How to Prevent Periodontitis includes:

  • Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
  • Daily flossing to prevent plaque development in between the teeth
  • Antibacterial mouth rinse
  • Regularly book a visit for cleaning and check-up to a dentist
  • Quit smoking and eat a good diet
  • Drinking water in order to sweep away the bacteria
  • Prevent stress since stress influences gum illness
  • Sugarless chewing gum so that saliva would be produced more
  • Limit consumption of too sweet and sour foods
  • Change toothbrushes every 3-4 months

Impact of Periodontitis on Various Health Conditions

Periodontitis and Gum Recession

Periodontitis and Gum Recession can be caused by it, root exposure, and sensitivity. Gum grafting, root planning, and oral hygiene can be used for disease prevention and improvement of gum health. Receding gums can also be a causative factor in the cosmetic deformity and expose the surfaces to caries formation.

Periodontitis and Tooth Loss

If left untreated, Periodontitis and Tooth Loss kill the bone and cause tooth mobility, leading to loss. Bacterial gum infections kill the holding tissue of teeth, and thus, they need to be extracted once the disease is well established. Dentures or implants restore function and appearance. Gum care plays an essential role in maintaining natural teeth throughout their lifespan.

Periodontitis and Bad Breath

Infected gum pockets secrete toxins that cause Periodontitis and Bad Breath(halitosis). Tartar, plaque, and decaying food particles contribute to the issue. Deep cleaning, tooth brushing, and antibacterial mouthwash can eliminate the smell. Hydration and tongue scraping can also prevent bad breath.

Periodontitis and Heart Disease

Studies identify a link between Periodontitis and Heart Disease. Bacteria in the gum disease may be transferred to the bloodstream, causing inflammation and risking cardiovascular disease, like heart attack and stroke. Proper oral hygiene may even keep the heart overall in good health. Other studies indicate that treatment of gum disease reduces heart disease-related inflammation markers.

Risk Factors of Periodontitis

The key Risk Factors for Periodontitis are:

  • Smoking and tobacco
  • Defective oral hygiene habits
  • Diabetes and other chronic diseases
  • Genetic susceptibility
  • Stress and weakened immunity
  • Poor diet with less than ideal-nutrients
  • Medication- or disease-induced dry mouth
  • Alcohol consumption that is likely to lead to dry mouth and bacterial overgrowth
  • Medical conditions not well controlled, including osteoporosis

Conclusion

Periodontitis is an advanced gum illness that can cause tooth loss as well as other diseases if ignored. The causative factor, symptom, and preventative factor should be known to obtain a healthy tooth. All the treatments and avoidance of periodontitis could be acquired through dental check-ups, periodontal therapy, and dental hygiene. Preventive treatments performed on the gums lead to a healthy smile and a lower chance of associated diseases. Oral health is also instrumental in contributing to overall health and a wonderful quality of life in the long run.

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