Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can refer to any condition that affects the gums and other structures supporting your teeth. However, bacteria cause the most common forms of periodontal disease. These bacteria grow in a film called dental plaque that sticks on the tooth surfaces next to the gums. The bacteria can cause inflammation and infection. The disease can spread and destroy the gums and bone around the teeth.
The mildest form of infection is gingivitis. It affects the gums. More severe disease damages the other structures and tissues that support the tooth. This can lead to tooth loss.
There are several types of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, which produce substances that can harm the gums. Gingivitis is quite common. Almost 3 out of every 4 adults over age 35 have some evidence of this condition.
Some groups of people are at increased risk:
- People with poorly controlled diabetes
- Pregnant women
- Teenagers
- Women taking birth control pills
- People taking steroids
- People taking certain other drugs, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya), medicine for stroke and blood pressure pills called calcium channel blockers
When you have gingivitis, your gums are red and swollen and bleed easily with brushing. Gingivitis doesn't usually cause discomfort. However, gingivitis can get worse. It can lead to a more serious form of periodontal disease, called periodontitis.
Gingivitis can be reversed with a combination of professional and home care. You will need a thorough cleaning in your dentist's office, including removal of plaque below the gum line. Then you must practice good oral care at home.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced disease than gingivitis. Periodontitis involves all of the tissues that support the teeth. This includes both the gums and the bone.
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis. Between 10% and 15% of U.S. adults have some form of it. The older you are, the more likely you are to show signs of periodontitis.
If you have periodontitis, your gums become detached from your teeth. Spaces form between the teeth and gums. These spaces are called periodontal pockets. Dental plaque builds up in the pockets. Eventually, this destroys the bone that supports the teeth. In more severe cases, teeth can become loose and even fall out.
Periodontitis usually is not painful. Some people notice that their gums are bleeding. The gums may recede (move back away from the teeth). People also may have bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. However, periodontitis may not cause any symptoms that you would notice. Your dentist can diagnose it during an examination, however. The condition usually gets worse quite slowly, over several years.
Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can't be completely reversed. That is because the lost supporting tissues usually can't be rebuilt. However, treatment and proper brushing and flossing can improve your oral health. This can stop periodontitis from getting worse. Stopping the disease in this way can help prevent tooth loss and other serious problems.
Treatment for periodontitis typically includes a thorough cleaning called scalling and root planning. In certain cases, you may need other steps, such as antimicrobal therapy and/or periodontal surgery.
More information about periodontal disease
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