Do you ever wonder why periodontitis happens? It’s a question that many people have, and it’s a good one. After all, no one wants to suffer from this condition. Unfortunately, though, periodontitis can be quite common.
The most common reason for periodontitis is an infection. This infection can be caused by a number of things, such as plaque or bacteria. One of the most important risk factors for having this illness is poor dental hygiene. Smoking and diabetes are two more risk factors.
Periodontitis is a disorder that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues, so knowing what causes it is crucial. Let’s explore the various factors that contribute to periodontitis. We’ll also discuss how you can protect your oral health by preventing this condition.
What is Periodontitis?
An infection of the gums and inflammation of the tissues and bones that support the teeth cause this illness. This occurs when there is an infection caused by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. Gums can become swollen, inflammatory, and red. This periodontal disease is also known as periodontitis because it has several stages; periodontitis is not one single condition but rather a collection of diseases with similar symptoms resulting from bacterial infections.
In periodontitis, the gums can become swollen and bleed easily. As time goes on, those with periodontitis will see their teeth start to come loose as the gums pull away from them. This is because periodontal disease can cause a weakening of the periodontal ligament which holds the tooth in place.
If left untreated for a period of time, periodontitis can cause damage to bones and tissue surrounding the teeth, eventually causing loss of the associated teeth. When this happens it is known as advanced periodontitis. This can occur gradually or quickly depending on factors like age, lifestyle choices (smoking), health conditions (diabetes), and genetics (gum thickness).
What Causes Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is caused by a variety of factors, one of which is poor oral hygiene. All of our mouths, naturally contain bacteria. When periodontitis occurs, it is because of the overgrowth and buildup of these bacteria. This can lead to plaque build-up on our teeth which is made up of food particles and saliva. Plaque will initiate this process because it hardens into tartar if not eliminated by brushing and flossing (calculus). Tartar serves as a sort of home for periodontal disease, causing bacteria that feeds off sugars from food we eat and produces acid that destroys the gums causing periodontitis. Flossing and brushing your teeth regularly and seeing your dentist for cleanings will help to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Periodontitis can also be caused by other variables like age, smoking, diabetes, and heredity. For example, older adults typically have more gum recession due to bone and tissue thinning with age. Smoking causes the gums to pull away from the teeth which allow bacteria easier access to the periodontal ligament and bone. Diabetes can make people more susceptible to periodontitis because it raises blood sugar levels and periodontitis-causing bacteria thrive on sugar. Genetics may also play a role in whether someone gets periodontitis because some people are just more prone to thicker gums which is a risk factor for developing the disease.
Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can also increase periodontitis risk because saliva production increases which help to battle the periodontal disease-causing bacteria. Poor nutrition, clenching and grinding the teeth, genetic differences in saliva composition, can also increase periodontitis risk.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis?
- Sensitive teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Bleeding and tender gums
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
- Painful chewing
How Does Periodontitis Start?
As we mentioned earlier, periodontitis is not one single condition but rather a collection of diseases with similar symptoms. In the earliest stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, the gums become inflamed and swollen. They may also bleed easily when you brush your teeth or floss. This is because the bacteria in plaque have started to attack the gums. If left untreated, this early stage can develop into periodontitis.
In periodontitis, the bacteria continue to attack the gums and destroy the tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. Gums detach from teeth, creating pockets where germs can collect and grow. As periodontitis progresses, these pockets get deeper and more difficult to clean. The bacteria can also travel down to the bone and periodontal ligament attaching the tooth to the jawbone. The tooth may get loose and finally fall out as a result of this.
What Are the Stages of Periodontitis?
There are three stages of periodontitis: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The first stage, gingivitis, is an inflammation of the periodontal tissue with no noticeable damage to periodontal tissue. If left untreated, periodontitis will happen where the periodontal tissue will start to detach from the tooth causing it to become loose. Advanced periodontitis is when the periodontal ligament which holds the tooth in place has been damaged and either needs to be removed or supported by a denture.
How is Periodontitis Diagnosed?
Your periodontist will likely do a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. The dentist may also take X-rays of your mouth if periodontitis is suspected to obtain a closer look at the status of your periodontal tissue. Your dentist will also be able to diagnose periodontitis by the symptoms you are experiencing. Dentists can possibly diagnose periodontitis early by just looking at the health of your gum tissue.
Can Periodontitis Be Cured Without Surgery?
Periodontitis can be treated with a deep cleaning at the dentist’s office if discovered early enough. The periodontal pockets are cleaned and then filled with medication to fight against periodontal disease-causing bacteria. In more advanced stages of periodontitis, surgery may also be necessary to remove the periodontal ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Scaling and root planing is a technique that eliminates tartar and resistant periodontal plaque from above and below the gum line, allowing for improved gum healing.
How Quickly Does Periodontitis Progress?
The rate at which periodontitis progresses varies from person to person. For some, the disease may progress slowly and for others, it may progress more quickly. It’s important to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs or symptoms of periodontitis in order to prevent the disease from progressing any further.
How to Treat Periodontitis?
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of periodontitis, it is important to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment for periodontitis may involve a deep cleaning in the dentist’s office, surgery to remove the periodontal ligaments and bone that support the teeth, or a combination of both. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully in order to help improve your symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing any further.
Treatments vary depending on the periodontitis stage. If periodontitis is caught early, only your periodontist may need to do any treatment. Otherwise, you may need further treatments such as root planing and curettage (RPC), deep cleaning beneath the gum line, or surgery to remove infected periodontal tissue. Medications like antibiotics can be used if there are signs of an infection involved along with periodontitis treatment.
How does Deep Cleaning Treat Periodontitis?
Periodontal pockets are deep cleaned by eliminating tartar and periodontal plaque from both above and below the gum line. This periodontal pocket is left for a period of time allowing medicinal treatment to seep in and break down the bacteria and tartar buildup. The dentist may also place medicated packing or sealants on your teeth to help speed up recovery time while you wait for surgical appointments if these treatments are not options.
How Do I Prevent Periodontitis?
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- At least once a day, floss your teeth.
- Using a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary snacks
- Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Rinse your toothbrush well after use and store upright
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, more often if the bristles are matting or frayed.
- Stress can make it more difficult to treat periodontal disease. Try reducing stressful situations or eliminating them altogether by changing some habits associated with these negative feelings.
