The leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world is periodontal disease, or gum disease, a progressive disease that affects the supporting and surrounding tissue of the gums as well as the underlying jawbone.
When toxins from plaque start to attack the soft tissues that surrounding the teeth, periodontal disease begins. The bacteria permeate into the gums and breed, causing a bacterial infection that burrows deeper as the infection progresses, causing inflammation between the teeth and gums. This results in what looks like the gums receding away as the body fights off the infected tissues. Without treatment, the structures making up the jawbone also recede and cause loose teeth and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, comes in many varieties, but all require immediate treatment to halt progression of the disease. Here are the five main forms of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
The mildest and most common form of periodontitis, gingivitis is caused by the toxins in plaque. Gingivitis is easily reversible using a combination of home care and professional cleaning, which could include antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes. People at increased risk of gingivitis include pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, people with uncontrolled diabetes, people who use steroids and people who control seizures and blood pressure with medication.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
Another common form of the disease, chronic periodontal disease includes inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of the gingival and bone tissue. This disease occurs most frequently in those older than 45. Chronic periodontal disease cannot be completely cured because the supportive tissue cannot be rebuilt once it has been destroyed, but dentists can halt the progression of the disease using scaling and root planing procedures, antimicrobial treatments and, in extreme cases, tissue grafts to stabilize the bone.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
This form of gum disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment and bone tissue, and is quite similar to chronic periodontitis but with a much faster progression. Those at increased risk include smokers and those with a family history of the disease.
Treatment here is similar to treatment for chronic periodontal disease, but surgical intervention is more likely. Scaling, root planing, antimicrobial and laser procedures are some procedures dentists will use to halt and treat this disease.
Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions
Periodontal disease can sometimes not be the true problem, but instead a symptom of a different disease or condition that’s affecting the entire body. This disease can act like aggressive periodontal disease as it works quickly to destroy tissue. Heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease are the most common contributing problems, and to effectively treat this variation of periodontitis, the underlying medical condition must be controlled. Progression within the mouth is halted using the same treatments used for controlling aggressive and chronic periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Most prevalent among people with HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, chronic stress or who choose to smoke, necrotizing periodontal disease rapidly worsens. Necrosis, or tissue death, affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues and alveolar bone. Though rare, dentists treat this disease with scaling, root planing, antibiotic pills, medicated mouthwash and fungicidal medicines, often in collaboration with a physician.
Do you think you have one of these five stages of periodontal disease? Schedule an appointment with Genesee Dental today to discuss your concerns with your dentist and get a thorough assessment of your dental health. Call us today at 585-343-1113 or request an appointment online now.