Understanding Periodontitis: Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatment Options
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection causing tooth loss. Learn about its causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention tips to protect oral health.
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Last updated on 6th May, 2025
Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums that can harm the connective tissues surrounding the tooth and the supporting bone, which may lead to tooth loss. It normally results from neglected gingivitis, which is a milder type of gum disorder.
If untreated, the alveolar bone that surrounds the tooth gradually wears away, and poor dental hygiene can cause various oral and systemic health problems. This article provides a detailed overview of periodontitis, its symptoms, stages, diagnosis, preventative methods, and treatment approaches.
Causes of Periodontitis
Plaque is usually the first stage of periodontitis, which is a sticky yellow layer of bacteria. Here are the main causes of this gum infection:
Formation of Plaque
Bacteria interact with sugars and starches from food, creating a substance known as plaque. It is a sticky film that grows to the teeth but can easily be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Plaque quickly returns if it is not removed at least once a day, and it can eventually cause serious oral issues.
Accumulation of Tartar
Unremoved plaque hardens into tartar on the gumline. Removing it with a toothbrush alone is challenging, making professional cleaning by a dentist necessary. The bacteria inside build-up can cause ticking pains surrounding the area, increasing the likelihood of infection.
Development of Gingivitis
Plaque and tartar irritation and swelling of the gum are referred to as gingivitis. Since it is the earliest form of gum disease, it can be treated and reversed properly. In case it remains untreated, gingivitis metamorphoses transform into periodontitis, causing even more damaging effects.
Inflammation Leading to the Periodontitis
Continuous irritation and swelling of the gums (inflammation) causes periodontitis. This leads to the formation of very deep pockets between the gums and teeth. It tends to accumulate more bacteria, together with plaque and tartar, causing more irritation in gums, tissue, and bone over time.
Risk Factors of Periodontitis
Here are risk factors that may elevate the risk for periodontitis:
Gingivitis
Tobacco use
Hormonal changes, which could be caused by pregnancy or menopause
Drug use, such as marijuana or vaping
Poor oral hygiene
Obesity
Poor diet, especially low in vitamin C
Dental medications or treatments that leave the mouth drier or impair gum health
Medications that reduce the immune system, such as leukaemia or cancer treatments
Genetics
Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which can impair immunity
Crohn's disease and other conditions can have an effect on the immune system
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Following are the common symptoms of periodontitis:
Bite changes
Bleeding gums
Swollen gums
Bad breath
Gum damage
Loss of teeth
Painful chewing
Pus (infection) near the gum area
Red or purple gums
Coughing up blood while brushing or flossing
Painful chewing
Complications of Periodontitis
If left untreated, periodontitis destroys the structures that help in supporting teeth, including the jawbone. This loosens the teeth and can result in tooth loss. Other complications that are associated with periodontitis are as follows:
Painful abscesses
Gums that pull back, exposing tooth roots
Greater probability for preeclampsia and low birth weight in pregnancy
Shifting teeth leading to eating difficulty
Risk of cardiovascular problems, respiratory system disorders, and diabetes
How to Diagnose Periodontitis?
To figure out whether a patient has periodontitis and assess how serious it is, the dentist may choose to:
Reviewing Medical History
The dentist first evaluates the medical history to identify possible risk factors for periodontitis in a patient. Smoking and drugs affecting salivary inflows are regularly taken into consideration.
Oral Examination
Through complete visual inspection, the dentist inspects the visible deposits of plaque and tartar and also checks the unhealthy gum.
Measuring Pocket Depth
A dental probe is inserted in the crevice between the tooth and gum to calculate the depths. Normal-mouth pockets range approximately between 1 mm to 3 mm. A pocket depth exceeding 4 mm is an indication of periodontitis, while a deeper pocket of 5 mm can suggest further development of the condition.
Dental X-Rays
X-rays are performed to diagnose bone loss and disease severity. This helps the dentist to determine the possible treatment procedure.
Treatment Options for Periodontitis
Following are the treatment options that can heal periodontitis down the line:
Oral Hygiene Measures
Individuals can reduce plaque and bacteria accumulation by adhering to proper oral hygiene for the management of periodontitis. The dentist provides specific instructions on how brushing and flossing should be done regularly.
Apart from three-times-a-day brushing, people may be advised to use either an electric toothbrush or mouthwash to clean the areas between the teeth and gums that cannot be reached easily.
Professional Tooth Cleanings
Periodic professional cleanings are necessary for the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, where routine tooth brushing is ineffective. Dentists use the scaling technique for deep cleaning of hardened plaque on the teeth and roots.
In individuals with periodontal pockets, scaling, and root planning can be beneficial as they smoothen the uneven areas on the tooth root and eradicate tartar. This reduces the chances of bacteria to accumulate.
Antibiotics
In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to help control gum infections. Antibiotics are typically used when standard cleaning methods fail to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria. These may come in the form of mouthwash, gels, or oral tablets with the intent to reduce bacterial presence in the gums and aid in the healing process.
Follow-up Appointments
After the initial treatment, follow-up appointments are crucial in providing a constant evaluation of whether the infection is under control. Regular check-ups every three to six months enable the dentist to evaluate the condition of any remaining periodontal pockets and monitor gum healing. They also help determine if further interventions, such as surgery, are required.
Surgical Options
If inflammation continues in areas that are unreachable while brushing and flossing, the dentist might perform a flap surgery. During this process, the gums are lifted while the patient is under anaesthesia. This allows the dentist to clean the roots of the individual’s teeth deeply. After cleaning, the gums are stitched back into position.
Lifestyle and Effective Home Remedies for Periodontitis
Some ways to help prevent or reduce periodontitis are:
Patients should lightly brush their teeth after each meal at least two times a day.
Individuals should practise daily flossing. If challenging, they can use a floss holder, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
Individuals should change their toothbrush every three months if it is not electric.
If the dentist decides mouth rinsing is necessary, people can ask what they usually recommend to decrease plaque build-up.
People should reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, cakes, candies, and cookies as they can erode tooth enamel.
Individuals should avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
Conclusion
Periodontitis is a severe and progressive gum disease that leads to tooth loss if not treated. Hence, early detection and intervention are necessary as they can prevent further damage and retain oral health. Besides, leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and timely visits to dentists can help lessen the risk of developing periodontitis and its complications.
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