All About Periodontitis and How It Can Effect You

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There are a variety of different conditions that can cause inflammation of the gums, but periodontitis is by far one of the most destructive. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that attach to the teeth where it meets the gum, resulting in an infection. As a response, your body releases some substances that can do damage to the teeth and gums. If the bacteria are able to develop, the teeth begin to loosen in the mouth, creating pockets where more bacteria can grow. Eventually, the teeth can become so loose that they fall out.

Who Gets Periodontitis?
A study titled ‘Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States’ estimates that 47.2%, or 64.7 million American adults, have periodontitis. There are three different types of periodontitis; mild, chronic and aggressive. Chronic periodontitis is the most common type of periodontitis, and typically affects adults, especially the elderly. In fact, over 70% of Americans ages 65 and up have periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis develops in childhood or early adulthood, and is only found in a small portion of the population. Typically, periodontal disease is higher in men (56.7%) than in woman (38.4%). Periodontists believe that periodontitis is more likely to develop in patients who have diabetes. In addition, oral surgeons warn that patients who smoke excessively might be more at risk for this disease.

What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of periodontitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, a reduced gum line, bad breath, loose teeth, spaces between the teeth, or a bad taste in the mouth. When checking for periodontitis, a periodontist will check for loose teeth and pockets of air, and may order an x-ray to check the damage of your teeth.

Periodontitis Treatments
Periodontists believe that the gum disease begins with the development of plaque, which can harden under the gum line. To remove this plaque, a periodontist will give your teeth a deep cleaning, making it more difficult for the bacteria to stick. Cases of chronic or aggressive periodontitis may call for more severe measures, such as oral surgery. If you have lost some teeth to the diseases, an oral surgeon will be able to fit you for dental implants.