Almost half of adults in the United States have periodontal disease in some form. Whether they have bleeding gums, deep pockets, or gum recession, periodontitis can make caring for teeth more complex and uncomfortable. But if you don’t know what caused it, how to prevent it, or what treatment options are available, it can be difficult to avoid and recover.
In this blog, we’ll review some of the most frequently asked questions about periodontal disease to help patients better understand this ailment and avoid recurring gum problems.
1. What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structure of teeth. It starts as gingivitis and may progress into more severe periodontitis, which can be incredibly detrimental to oral health if left unaddressed.
2. Is Developing Gum Disease Common?
Developing periodontitis is incredibly common among adults across the United States. In a survey done by the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that approximately 47% of adults have gum disease. This number jumps dramatically when looking at the oral health of individuals over 65, with over 70% of these individuals dealing with periodontal disease in some form.
3. What Causes This Disease?
The primary cause of periodontal disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar along your gum line. Some other factors that may contribute to the development of this disease include poor oral hygiene habits, consumption of tobacco products, genetic predisposition, some medical conditions, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause.
4. What are the Early Signs of Periodontitis?
In its earliest stages, gum disease is characterized by red, swollen gums. You may also notice your gums bleeding more frequently when brushing and flossing. Some patients also experience frequent bad breath, even when brushing often and thoroughly, and sensitivity when brushing or flossing.
5. Can You Have It Without Presenting Symptoms?
Yes, it is possible to begin developing gum disease without any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may become clearer. By scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can catch this disease before it begins presenting symptoms, protecting you from severe periodontitis.
6. How is It Diagnosed?
If your gums bleed while you brush or floss, you might want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Once there, your dentist will examine your gums, measure the depth of your gum pockets, and take X-rays to assess bone loss around your teeth. This will help them determine the extent of your periodontal disease and begin crafting a treatment plan.
7. Can You Cure It?
Early-stage gingivitis can be cured with appropriate dental treatment from a reliable team. However, once your gingivitis turns into periodontal disease and begins to impact the bones supporting your teeth, the disease can no longer be cured. Instead, at that point, the disease can be managed to prevent additional damage to your smile.
8. What Does Treatment Look Like?
Treatment for periodontal disease will vary based on its severity. Your dental team may need to perform root scaling, which involves cleaning the tooth beneath your gum line and smoothing the gums down. If you’re experiencing gum recession or bone loss, you may need gum or bone grafts to support restorative treatments like dental implants or bridges.
9. How Do I Protect My Teeth?
Brushing and flossing regularly is the easiest way to protect your smile from periodontal disease. You should brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes twice daily. You should also floss to remove tough food particles, bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If you use tobacco products, it is best to discontinue this use and schedule twice-yearly dental checkups.
10. Will You Lose Teeth If You Have Periodontitis?
If you have early-stage gingivitis, you are not at risk of losing your teeth. However, as it develops into severe periodontitis, you open the door to potential tooth loss. As your jawbone degrades, your tooth may become loose, which can cause you to lose one or more teeth. With gum and bone grafts, you may be able to prevent this tooth loss.
11. Does It Affect Other Parts of Your Body?
If you are experiencing gum disease, you may not have to worry about it affecting other parts of your body. However, as the infection becomes more severe, it may impact your overall health. The gum inflammation may increase your risk of developing heart disease or endocarditis. The bacteria may also make it difficult to control diabetes and may cause respiratory illnesses.
12. Are Some People At an Increased Risk of Developing Periodontitis?
Yes, some individuals are at an increased risk of developing periodontitis. Individuals may be genetically predisposed to develop this condition, even if they follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Those who regularly use tobacco products, have diabetes, or experience hormone changes may also develop peridontitis more frequently than those who do not.
13. Should Children Be Concerned About Periodontal Disease?
While it is uncommon for children to develop more severe gum disease, you should still be concerned about it. Children who get periodontitis may struggle with jaw misalignment and bite problems. In addition to the oral impact, your child may deal with self-esteem problems and growth problems as a result of this gum disease.
Protect Your Smile with Eric Felt, DDS.
By taking a proactive approach to gum care, you can protect yourself from developing periodontal disease. Our team at Eric Felt DDS has years of experience helping patients treat gum disease at every stage. Whether you’re dealing with minor bleeding or more severe gum pockets, we can help you address it all, restoring your gum health. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to address your concerns about your gum health, contact us today.
