Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.
When allowed to progress, the gums start to separate from the teeth, and pockets develop. Bacteria accumulate in these spaces, destroying gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Individual teeth can be affected, or your entire mouth can be at risk.
With gum disease, you won't keep your teeth for long. In fact, unlike tooth decay which impacts your smile one tooth at a time, periodontitis can cause you to lose multiple, if not all, teeth at once. Gum disease starts small as a mild form called gingivitis.
Advanced periodontitis is the fifth and final stage of gum disease, and it is likely that you will lose teeth or at least loosen teeth during this phase without immediate dental intervention. The infection impacts the jawbone, so teeth may be lost regardless.
One stage of gum disease is totally reversible — gingivitis (very early periodontal disease). If you detect gingivitis early enough, you can reverse it with regular dental cleaning and diligent oral hygiene.
They may experience receding gums, loosening teeth, or tooth loss when it progresses into severe periodontal disease. If you wonder if you can live with this disease, the answer is yes. In general, periodontal disease does not cause pain, which is one of the reasons it develops into a severe condition.
Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.
Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis
This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess. The end result — eating and even smiling is hard and painful, and you may lose most of your teeth.
Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease. At this stage, your gums will start to pull away or "recede" from your teeth.
The answer depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you brush too hard, your gums may recede over time. However, if you have gum disease, your gums can recede quite quickly. In some cases, they may even recede within a matter of weeks or months.
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented.
Periodontal disease can cause teeth to loosen in their sockets. Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can cause teeth to shift. And traumatic injuries from contact sports or accidental falls can loosen or even knock teeth out. The good news is that loose teeth can almost always be saved if they're treated in time.
Gum disease itself is not necessarily a reason to visit an emergency dentist. However, there are a few signs that it may be a good idea to do so. For example, gums that are aching and bleeding are a sign of advanced periodontitis.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
Per CDC/AAP, severe periodontitis is defined as having 2 or more interproximal sites with clinical attachment loss (CAL) 6 mm or greater (not on the same tooth) and 1 or more interproximal sites with periodontal probing depth (PPD) 5 mm or greater.
3 mm - 5 mm with bleeding: It's very likely that gums with these measurements have early gum disease. 5 mm - 7 mm with bleeding: Besides almost certain gum disease, bone loss and tissue damage are also possible. 7 mm+ with bleeding: Pockets deeper than 7 mm means advanced gum disease is certain.
During the later stages of gum disease, the gums detach from the teeth. You might feel the teeth literally moving in place. Pockets grow deeper, and bacteria migrate to the trenches of your roots where they infect and inflame.
You might see pus around your tooth, and you'll notice your gums pulling away from contact with the tooth. Your gums might swell, and that swelling could extend to your face and neck, too. At this point, your tooth will likely have to be removed.
If there is not enough gum tissue present, this can increase the risks of implant failure. In fact, severe gum recession and/or bone loss can prevent a person from being a candidate for dental implants.
Unless periodontitis is treated effectively, the bacteria that cause the condition can enter your bloodstream and spread elsewhere in your body. Those bacteria can contribute to the development of respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, difficulty regulating your blood sugar, and rheumatoid arthritis.
You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
If caught early enough, this disease is usually reversible through regular brushing and flossing. However, advanced cases of gum disease can lead to permanent damage of the jawbone and even tooth loss.