About Periodontitis | Causes & Treatments

Advanced gum disease can have serious implications for our oral health, and possibly general health too.

Thanks to TV adverts, most people probably think that gum disease is something that makes your gums bleed; unpleasant but not that serious. This is just one of the possible symptoms though and sometimes they might also be ‘silent’.

Sometimes this is all that there is to it. The gums may be slightly inflamed because plaque has built up around the teeth, and improving the way they are cleaned can make a noticeable difference. This is most likely to be the early stages of gum disease that dentists refer to as gingivitis. It is usually relatively mild at this stage and can often be reversed and managed with better cleaning habits and social things like quitting smoking.

Periodontitis though is something rather more serious.

Periodontitis

Peridodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and the bone supporting the teeth. It usually develops gradually, which is sometimes part of the problem. There may be little or no pain to warn you that anything significant is happening and you may coast along thinking that there is nothing wrong. Meanwhile, damage may be being done to the bone surrounding the tooth root which can have significant consequences for your teeth.

The problem usually starts with plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that is constantly forming on our teeth. It contains bacteria and, if it is not removed properly, it can collect around the gum line. Eventually it will harden into a form known as tartar or calculus which is much more difficult to remove. While this initially is likely to worsen the situation with the gums, with more significant inflammation and possibly bleeding, at this stage, bacteria are also often working their way down the tooth roots and into the surrounding bone tissue.

Once this occurs, the bone will slowly start to disintegrate and become thinner, gradually losing its hold on the tooth roots. Eventually, you are likely to notice that your teeth feel loose and may wobble around a little. Finally, if not treated, there is a possibility that you will lose these teeth altogether.

Is periodontitis difficult to spot?

Pain is not always a feature of gum disease. Our Burton patients could have quite advanced periodontitis without experiencing anything that makes them feel they need to see a dentist. Bleeding gums are a well known warning sign, but they can sometimes be surprisingly mild or even absent altogether. Other things to watch out for include persistent bad breath (halitosis), swollen or receding gums, pus around the gums, teeth that appear to be getting longer because the gums have receded, or changes in the way the teeth meet when biting.

A tooth that starts to move is particularly important and is a sure sign that something is wrong and that you need to have the tooth examined by a dentist at the SG Dental and Implant Centre as soon as possible.

Smoking – the risks

Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontitis. It can affect the blood supply to the gums and interfere with the body’s ability to respond to infection. It can also affect how well the gums heal following treatment. Ironically, smoking can also reduce the bleeding from the gums leading to people being less aware that they have gum disease. Giving up smoking can improve the outlook for gum health and can also make treatment here at your local Burton dentists, more successful.

General health issues

Periodontitis is primarily a disease affecting the gums and supporting teeth structure, but there has been ongoing research into the relationship between gum disease and general health. Research has found links between periodontitis and a number of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes among others. This is an area that continues to be studied, and it is important not to suggest that periodontitis directly causes all of these conditions. However, it seems increasingly likely that it may well be a risk factor and is therefore best avoided.

Can periodontitis be treated?

Any treatment for periodontitis will depend on how advanced the disease has become. The first step is usually to control the bacteria and plaque responsible for the inflammation. This may involve professional cleaning (scale and polish procedure) and advice on improving brushing and cleaning between the teeth. Where periodontitis has caused deeper pockets, more thorough cleaning below the gum line may be necessary. The aim is to remove bacteria and hardened deposits from areas that cannot be reached with an ordinary toothbrush. This can be an invasive procedure and does not guarantee success. Prevention is far better than waiting until it reaches this stage.

What if a tooth has become loose?

A loose tooth does not automatically have to be removed. If the underlying cause is treated and there is enough supporting tissue remaining, it may sometimes be possible to stabilise the tooth. This depends on how much bone has been lost, the condition of the tooth and how advanced the periodontal disease is. If a tooth cannot be saved, replacement options can be considered once the gum disease is under control. These include dentures, a bridge or dental implants.

If you have not given much thought to your gum health, and especially if you haven’t seen a dentist for some time, we strongly recommend that you contact our Burton dental practice for an appointment to have your gum health checked. You can contact the SG Dental and Implant Centre by calling us on 01283 845345.