Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums. The basic cause is an accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Periodontitis can eventually cause damage to your bones and teeth if it is left unattended. Periodontitis can also lead to the pulling away of the gum tissue, which can form pockets where additional germs can begin to build up and cause even more infections. However, early diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of good oral hygiene can go a long way in stopping the damage.
Stages of Periodontitis
Periodontitis can occur in different stages. It usually starts as an inflammation and then progresses to a more dire stage with time. Let’s consider the stages of periodontitis below.
1. Inflammation (gingivitis): The first manifestation of periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums, otherwise referred to as gingivitis. A really early signal of this is that you experience bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth. Another signal is the discoloration of your teeth because of plaque formation. Plaque occurs when bacteria and food debris build up on your teeth. There is always a presence of bacteria in the mouth, but they can only pose a threat when they are allowed to grow exponentially due to favorable conditions. Lack of proper oral hygiene through adequate brushing and flossing or failure to regularly go for dental cleanings can contribute to bacteria growth.
2. Early periodontal disease: The early stages of periodontitis will cause noticeable reversing of the gumline or pulling away from the teeth, leading to pocket formation between the teeth and gums. These pockets, in turn, serve as a conducive habitat for harmful bacteria. The gumlines recede as your immune system tries to tackle the resultant infection. Bleeding and bone loss are likely to be experienced at this stage as well.
3. Moderate periodontal disease: In addition to bleeding and gum recession, you will experience pain if you leave your periodontitis to progress to the moderate periodontal disease stage. Bone support will be lost, and the teeth will start becoming loose. Also, an inflammatory response can occur throughout your body because of the infection.
4. Advanced periodontal disease: A deterioration of the connective tissue holding the teeth begins at this stage. Bones, gums, and other tissues supporting your teeth become destroyed. In addition to the severe pains you will experience while chewing, you will also experience a foul taste in your mouth and severe bad breath. Most of all, you might experience tooth loss.
Causes of Periodontitis
Since a large number of bacteria can be found in the mouth, they can grow and then build up on the teeth. So, the issue that causes periodontitis is a lack of proper oral hygiene. Failure to adequately brush, floss, and clean areas that are hard to reach can result in the following:
- The growth and multiplication of bacteria in the mouth lead to the formation of dental plaque.
- Bacteria deposit minerals on the plaque (tartar) as time goes on. This tartar boosts the growth of bacteria, especially toward the root of the tooth.
- Your body’s immune system will respond to this bacteria attack, leading to gum inflammation.
- A pocket may form between the tooth’s root and the gum due to disruption of the attachment over time.
- The pockets become a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to multiply, which in turn releases toxins that can lead to the destruction of the supporting bone structure, teeth, and gums.
Other factors can put one at a higher risk and cause periodontal disease. Some of these factors include:
- Smoking (this has turned out to be one of the biggest risk factors for periodontal disease)
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hormonal changes in women (including menstrual periods, pregnancy, or menopause) can increase the sensitivity of the gums
- Conditions that can have a dire impact on your immune system, such as leukemia or HIV
- Drugs and medications that can cause a reduction in the saliva flow of your mouth
- Genetics
- Improper nutrition deficient in vitamin C
Symptoms of Periodontitis
The symptoms of periodontitis are usually dependent on what stage the disease is, but generally, the periodontitis symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
- Changes in teeth position or loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- The noticeable buildup of tartar or plaque on your teeth
- Tooth loss
- Pain when chewing
- Noticeable foul taste in your mouth
- Inflammatory response that occurs throughout the body
In the early stages of periodontitis, the symptoms may not be easily noticed and may likely be seen by your emergency dentist first.
