How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?

Amal_Warda · July 23, 2022, 4:45pm

How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease? Gum disease, which affects the majority of people in some way and is a primary factor in adult tooth loss, is common. In most cases, the disease does not progress quickly, and it is treatable such that you should be able to maintain the majority of your natural teeth for the rest of your life.

In the US, more than 50% of adults suffer from periodontal disease, generally known as gum disease. Some people have inflammatory gums, while others have tissue and bone supporting their teeth damaged. Tooth loss will occur if periodontal disease is not treated promptly.

It is simpler to prevent other diseases like diabetes and heart disease when one’s dental health is maintained. Periodontal disease can be prevented or treated to help safeguard teeth and gums for life.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

The gums become infected with bacteria, which leads to periodontal disease (gum disease). Untreated gum disease also threatens the jaw bone that supports the teeth. The first observable symptom of gum disease is red, inflamed, and frequently bleeding gums.

If left unchecked, pockets form and the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. As bacteria build up in these crevices, bone and gum tissue are eventually destroyed, resulting in tooth loss. Your entire mouth may be at risk in addition to specific teeth.

Causes of Gum Disease

The following factors may contribute to or aggravate periodontal disease:

Diabetes
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Negligent mouth hygiene (plaque and tartar build-up)
Medications
Poor nutrition
Using tobacco or smoking
Stress
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding Non-surgical Treatments

Procedures for non-surgical gum disease are only used in milder forms, including gingivitis and mild to moderate periodontitis. Such conditions can benefit from the following when detected early:

Antibacterial treatment
Root planning and scaling (deep cleaning)
Antibiotics used systemically

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Even in its later stages, gum disease can grow without causing any noticeable symptoms. Although the indicators of periodontal disease are frequently mild, they are not wholly absent. Some symptoms may indicate a particular illness form. Gum disease symptoms include:

Bleeding gums both during and after brushing your teeth
Reddened, swollen gums. Gums in good health should be pink and firm.
Consistent foul breath or an unpleasant aftertaste
Recessive gums
The development of deep pockets between the gums and teeth
Shifting or loose teeth
Modifications in the fit of partial dentures or in the way teeth come together when you bite down

You might still have some degree of gum disease even if you are symptom-free. Gum disease can sometimes only affect a few teeth, like the molars, in a person. Gum disease can only be recognized and its course tracked by a dentist or periodontist.

Health Conditions That Periodontal Disease Can Cause

Your permanent teeth may be lost if you don’t address gum disease. Jawbone resorption will begin if it isn’t stimulated by the teeth. Jawbone loss will continue unless dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.

The facial structure may change as a result of bone loss over time. Lips and cheeks will begin to sag, and they will appear pretty unpleasant. Additionally, untreated periodontal disease can make the immune system “hyperactive.”

The germs that cause gum infection might disperse into the bloodstream over time. Scientists claim that this can harm the brain’s blood vessels as well as the blood vessels in the heart. Gum disease patients are more likely to have other chronic illnesses as well. For example, periodontitis can increase the chance of developing hypertension by 22% to 49%.

Summary

More than 50% of adults in the US suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Untreated gum disease threatens the jaw bone that supports the teeth. It can be prevented or treated to help safeguard your teeth and gums for life.

Traditional Surgical Treatments for Advanced Periodontitis

Pocket Reduction (Osseous Surgery)

With this technique, the pockets caused by tartar and germs surrounding the tooth roots are reduced. The underlying bone is reshaped while the tooth roots are completely free of debris throughout this treatment.

Although the pocket reduction is a tried-and-true method for treating advanced periodontal disorders, it is unable to restore teeth that have become loose as a result of serious bone degradation.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Gum tissue loss causes receding gums, which makes your tooth roots and surrounding bone more susceptible to periodontitis’ corrosive effects on them. Reconstructing receding gums and reestablishing the protection they were intended to offer frequently requires tissue transplantation.

A tiny piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth is removed and then inserted between the receding gum and tooth to stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissue.

Regenerative Treatments for Advanced Periodontitis

Guided Bone Regeneration

A cutting-edge procedure used to repair parts of the jaw that have deteriorated is guided tissue or bone regeneration. Resorption is the term for the process of bone loss that results in tooth loss and changes to the facial structure.

A tissue membrane is positioned between the mouth and bone during this surgery, and areas of deteriorated bone are cleansed and readied to receive a bone graft. The gum and bone tissue will start developing right away.

Within six months, the regenerated dental structures are robust enough to support teeth that would have otherwise been lost or, if teeth could not be salvaged, to support a dental implant.

How Does My Dentist Diagnose Gum Disease?

Your dentist often looks for these items during a dental examination:

Pocket depth, stiffness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums (the space between the gum and tooth; the larger and deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease)
Sensitivity, movement, and appropriate tooth alignment
Your jawbone can be used to detect bone loss around your teeth.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease treatment aims to inhibit the spread of the condition and encourage the reattachment of healthy gums to teeth. It also aims to reduce swelling, the depth of pockets, and the risk of infection. The disease’s stage, how you may have responded to previous treatments, and your general health all influence your treatment options.

Options include both surgery to repair supporting tissues and nonsurgical treatments that inhibit bacterial development. Gum Disease Treatments gives a thorough explanation of all the available treatments.

Prevention of Gum Disease

When adequate plaque control is used, gingivitis can be reversed and gum disease can almost always be prevented from getting worse. Professional cleanings at least twice a year, along with daily brushing and flossing, are required for effective plaque control.
Every day, brush your teeth twice. Fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush should be used. Every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray, replace your toothbrush. They won’t clean teeth as well if they are old and worn out. Plaque on the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached is removed by brushing.
Plaque and food fragments from between teeth and below the gum line are removed by flossing. Every day, floss. Waiting until something becomes trapped in your teeth is not advisable.
Plaque is removed from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach with daily flossing. Additionally, you can experiment with interdental brushes, picks, or tiny brushes that fit in between teeth. To avoid harming your gums, ask your dentist how to use them.
Wash your mouth out. In addition to preventing gingivitis, antibacterial mouthwash also fights plaque and bad breath. The American Dental Association claims that antibacterial rinses can minimize the microorganisms that result in plaque and gum disease.
Find out which mouthwash works best for you by asking your dentist. Other alterations to one’s health and way of life can reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease, minimize its severity, and slow its progression.

They consist of:

Give up smoking. Smoking can damage your teeth and gums in addition to being unhealthy for your heart and lungs. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease among smokers by seven times compared to non-smokers, and it also reduces the effectiveness of several therapies.
Lessen anxiety. Your body’s immune system may have a difficult time fighting off illness if you’re under stress.
Continue to eat a healthy diet. The sugars and starches from food that the bacteria in your mouth consume drive their production of the acids that erode tooth enamel. Candy and junk food contain a lot of added sugar and starch. To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, avoid them. Good nutrition aids in the immune system’s defense against infection. Antioxidant-rich meals, such as those that contain vitamin E (vegetable oils, almonds, green leafy vegetables) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes), can aid in the body’s ability to heal damaged tissue.
Avoid clenching your teeth or grinding them. These motions might exert too much tension on the tissues that support teeth, which might speed up the rate of tissue deterioration.

Who is at Risk for Gum Disease?

Gum disease will develop in people with poor dental hygiene (those who don’t brush or floss at least twice daily). Additionally, smokers have a twofold increased risk of getting the periodontal disease compared to non-smokers. Gum disease risk can also be increased by some drugs, including anticonvulsants and angina medicines.

Gum Disease’s Four Stages

There are four distinct stages of periodontal disease.

The initial stage is gingivitis. The second stage, known as “slight periodontal disease,” can develop as a result. From this point forward, it may progress to mild periodontal disease and then severe periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most treatable stage of gum disease because it is still non-destructive. It solely affects the gingiva at this time. The gum tissue that encircles the base of the upper and lower teeth is known as the gingiva.

Inflammation of the gingiva is the outcome of gingivitis. It results in swollen, sensitive, and painful gums at this point. The gums may become more prone to bleeding as a result.

Slight Periodontal Disease

Gum inflammation can start during the early stages of gingivitis in as little as five days. The symptoms of widespread gingivitis start to show after two to three weeks. If you continue to ignore this, it will develop into a mild case of periodontal disease.

Your gums will now begin to pull away from your teeth. Tiny crevices will then form between your teeth and the impacted gums as a result of this. Then, more dangerous bacteria may enter these “spaces,” increasing the bleeding.

Moderate Periodontitis

Gum disease third stage will include more bleeding and gum recession. Your teeth will start to lose support as additional tissues deteriorate, making them more mobile. An all-over inflammatory reaction might also be brought on by the infection.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is the most severe of the four phases of gum disease, inflicting the most damage to your bones and gums. Your teeth’s supporting tissues and the tissues that link them to the bone are already deteriorating.

Extreme pain and severe bad breath are likely to be present. Additionally, this is the time when your chance of losing teeth is greatest.

Summary

Gum tissue loss causes receding gums, which makes the roots of your tooth more susceptible to periodontitis’ corrosive effects. Reconstructing receding gum tissue frequently requires tissue transplantation. Cutting-edge procedures repair parts of the jaw that have deteriorated through guided tissue or bone regeneration.

Gum disease: Is it related to Other Health Issues?

Researchers may have found connections between gum disease and other dangerous medical issues, according to the CDC. The mouth bacterium that enters the circulation is typically not harmful to those with strong immune systems.

However, under specific conditions, these microbes are linked to illnesses including heart disease and stroke. Gum disease is not just a risk factor for diabetes, but diabetes itself may worsen as a result of gum disease.

Is gum disease the same as periodontal disease?

Yes, gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Both terms allude to gum tissue infection and inflammation brought on by mouth bacteria. Gum disease can first appear to be rather minor, if you don’t go to the dentist frequently, you could not notice the warning symptoms at home until it has advanced to a serious stage.

However, if periodontal disease is not addressed, it can eventually cause serious health issues like gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Is periodontal disease reversible?

Frequently, gingivitis-related damage can be repaired by removing the infection from your gums. However, more severe cases of periodontitis frequently cause irreparable harm to your teeth and gums and necessitate costly dental procedures.

Thanks to restorative dentistry techniques such as pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts to treat gum recession, and bone grafts to address jawbone loss, much of this damage can fortunately be restored.

Dental implants can heal a missing tooth, restoring your smile’s functionality and aesthetics while promoting bone growth and preventing the repositioning of your other teeth.

FAQ’s

Following are some of the important questions:

1. Can teeth be saved with periodontal disease?

If you have periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease, some therapies can help you keep your teeth. However, if severe gum disease is allowed to worsen, tooth loss is imminent, thus time is of the essence.

2. How long will teeth last with periodontal disease?

If you don’t get treated for periodontitis, it could last a lifetime. Similar to periodontitis, the condition will advance and get worse if it is not treated. It is advised that you visit a dentist as soon as possible if you exhibit periodontitis symptoms.

3. Will removing teeth stop periodontal disease?

In cases of periodontal disease, tooth extraction is typically done as a last option. However, it should be remembered that tooth extractions alone do not treat gum disease.

4. Does periodontitis shorten your life?

According to the researchers, older women who have a history of periodontal disease, or a serious gum infection, have a 12 percent higher chance of dying before their time from any cause, while a 17 percent higher risk is linked to losing their natural teeth.

5. What is Stage 4 periodontal disease?

In stage four the periodontal disease has established a firm hold. Your gums will be receding, revealing delicate tooth enamel that can be easily chipped or otherwise damaged and lead to the development of cavities. When your teeth start to get looser, unsteady, or even move positions, the concealed damage to your jawbone will start to show.

6. How fast does periodontal disease progress?

Slight Periodontal Disease

Gum inflammation can start during the early stages of gingivitis in as little as five days. The symptoms of widespread gingivitis start to show after two to three weeks. If you continue to ignore this, it will develop into a mild case of periodontal disease.

7. Why a severe periodontitis tooth must be extracted?

Your gums become infected, and it then moves to your bones. This weakens your teeth and jawbone. Your teeth may fall out as a result of bone loss or additional illness. When periodontal disease reaches this stage, tooth extractions must be scheduled.

8. How do you prevent periodontal disease from getting worse?

When adequate plaque control is used, gingivitis can be reversed and gum disease can almost always be prevented from getting worse. Professional cleanings at least twice a year, along with daily brushing and flossing, are required for effective plaque control. Every day, brush your teeth twice.

9. What happens if the periodontal disease goes untreated?

Gum disease is called periodontitis (also known as periodontal disease). Your teeth’s soft tissue is harmed by an infection, and the bone that supports them is eroded. If the illness is not treated, the bone will eventually deteriorate, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

10. Can you keep your teeth for life?

Your teeth may last a lifetime with proper care. As you get older, your mouth changes. Your teeth’s nerves may shrink over time, making them less vulnerable to cavities and other issues. You run the risk of not having these issues identified before it is too late if you don’t receive routine dental exams.

Conclusion

More than 50% of adults in the US suffer from periodontal disease, generally known as gum disease. Untreated gum disease threatens the jaw bone that supports the teeth and can cause them to fall out. Tooth loss will occur if gum disease is not treated promptly. Periodontal disease can increase the chance of developing hypertension by 22% to 49%. The risk of developing gum disease can be increased by smoking, poor dental hygiene, or anxiety. There are four distinct stages of periodontal disease.

How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?