Did you know that severe periodontal disease affects around 19% of the world’s population, even though it is entirely preventable in most cases? Periodontitis is a serious infection that occurs in the gums and softens the tissue surrounding your gums, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Fortunately, your dentist Canary Wharf can prevent this from occurring with their care and treatment.
What are the stages of periodontitis?
Periodontitis can be categorised into two stages:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontitis and is characterised by the inflammation of the gums. The earliest and most common sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Another sign of gingivitis is the discolouration of your teeth caused by the formation and build-up of plaque. This is due to inadequate oral hygiene maintenance and allowing food particles and debris to slowly build up on the surfaces of your teeth. As gingivitis progresses, you will notice your gums begin to recede, causing small pockets to form between your gums and teeth; this can make way for harmful bacteria to fester, thus causing infection and some potential bone loss.
Moderate periodontal disease
When gingivitis is left to progress, bleeding and pain may occur around the teeth and gum recession. You may also notice your teeth become slightly loose due to a loss in bone support, as prolonged exposure to the infection will continue to affect the bone that supports your teeth.
Advanced periodontal disease
When periodontitis reaches its most advanced stage, the connective tissue responsible for holding your teeth in place begins to deteriorate, and your gums and bones are destroyed. This can cause you to experience difficulties and pain when chewing, especially when it comes to hard foods, severe bad breath (halitosis) and, in the final stages, loss of teeth.
What causes periodontitis?
The leading cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene; your mouth carries many different types of bacteria, and when you don’t clean your teeth thoroughly, the bacteria begin to grow and build up on your teeth, forming plaque. Another common cause of periodontitis is smoking; note that smoking may interfere with how your body responds to treatment for periodontitis. Studies have found that quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of developing periodontitis. Other risk factors for periodontitis include poor diet, obesity, certain medications that inhibit the flow of saliva, autoimmune diseases such as HIV and AIDS and hormonal changes in women during pregnancy.
What are the signs and symptoms of periodontitis?
Periodontitis can be detected in its early stages, so it is best to always keep a lookout for any signs so that they may be tackled straight away. The common signs to look out for include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the positioning of your teeth
- Red and swollen gums
- A build-up of plaque or tartar on the surfaces of your teeth
- Pain when chewing or biting food
- Bad breath
Your dentist will be able to detect periodontitis in its earliest stages during a routine dental appointment; therefore, you must regularly visit your dentist so that any of these signs can be detected and treated to prevent the disease from progressing.
