Periodontitis is an easily-preventable gum disease which progresses from gingivitis, which is also easy to avoid. This disease is most common in adults, but can be found in teenagers who are lax in their daily dental hygiene. The consequences of leaving periodontitis untreated are significant, including deep-seated infections and tooth loss.
Definition
Periodontitis is a gum infection which destroys the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This infection can cause tooth loss if it is not treated and reversed. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis, as well as regular dental checkups can lessen the chances of developing periodontitis as well as diagnosing it early. If an early case of gingivitis (gum infection or inflammation) is not diagnosed or if treatment is delayed, periodontitis can follow.
Causes
If you don't brush and floss your teeth daily, plaque (soft sticky substance) and tartar (hardened plaque) accumulate at the gum line of each tooth. This tartar becomes filled with bacteria and inflammation results. A pocket or gap develops in between the gums and teeth, and this gap fills up with more plaque and tartar. As the inflammation progresses, the soft tissue (gums) becomes swollen, trapping the plaque in the space. As the inflammation gets worse, it eventually causes the soft tissues and bone surrounding the teeth to be destroyed. You are likely to develop an infection around one or more of your teeth (tooth abscess); this abscess causes even more destruction of the bone surrounding your teeth.
Symptoms
You will not notice symptoms until your periodontitis is more advanced. These include sensitive teeth, painful chewing and red/swollen gums which are also tender. Your gums may also bleed when you brush your teeth. Your teeth may begin to become loose and you have chronic bad breath (it will not go away no matter what you do). You may notice that your gums are shiny, bright red or red-purple. The early symptoms look like gingivitis.
Related Conditions
Leaving periodontitis untreated can potentially lead to other health problems, such as problems controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, a higher risk of stroke or heart attack and, if you are pregnant, an increased risk of delivering your baby preterm and/or low birthweight.
Dental Necessities
You have to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Eat a nutritious diet low in sugars and don't use tobacco products; if you already smoke, stop. Visit your dentist at least two times a year for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning. If you have periodontitis already, you may need to have your teeth cleaned more than twice a year. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prevent gingivitis which helps prevent another case of periodontitis.
Tags: your teeth, bone surrounding, bone surrounding teeth, brush your, brush your teeth, gingivitis which, helps prevent