Infections in the gums and the tissue surrounding your teeth are commonly known as gum disease. Though it starts subtly with symptoms like bad breath and bleeding gums, it can damage the bone and tissues that support teeth. Interestingly, symptom of periodontal disease can develop without causing noticeable pain, making it possible for you to be affected without realizing it.
According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. This number increases to 70.1% for adults aged 65 and older.
So, is tooth loss inevitable once you notice the symptom of periodontal disease? Absolutely not. Today, we’re busting common myths about gum disease and tooth loss, and sharing insights on protecting your smile.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease takes various forms, often starting as gingivitis caused by infectious bacteria that inflame the gums. Symptoms include bleeding, tenderness, and redness. Early gingivitis is reversible, but if neglected, it progresses to periodontal disease.
These bacteria can grow in the space between gums and teeth, deepening pockets. They damage tissues, promoting further growth. An imbalance in the oral microbiome, known as oral dysbiosis, contributes to such a situation. Periodontal disease involves gum recession, deeper pockets, and potential bone damage holding teeth in place.
Since we have covered exactly what this disease is, we will now jump into the most asked questions.
Will You Lose Teeth If You Have Periodontal Disease?
Not necessarily, but without proper treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. The disease affects the gums and bone that support your teeth. As it progresses, this support weakens, making teeth loose and eventually leading to tooth loss. However, many people with periodontal disease can keep their natural teeth for life with early diagnosis, consistent dental care, and good oral hygiene.
How to Fix Teeth with Periodontal Disease?
Treating teeth affected by periodontal disease involves controlling the infection and stopping further damage. Treatment may include:
- Professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
- Antibiotic therapy (topical or oral) to reduce bacterial infection.
- Surgical procedures like flap or bone/gum grafts for severe cases.
- Strict oral hygiene at home, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using antimicrobial rinses.
- Regular dental visits for maintenance and monitoring.
Maintaining excellent hygiene may be enough for mild gingivitis. But if you’re wondering how to cure gum disease without a dentist, the answer is: you can manage the early stages at home, but professional help is critical once the disease progresses.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Periodontal Disease?
Yes, wisdom teeth can contribute to symptoms of periodontal issues, especially if they are:
- Impacted (trapped under the gums or jawbone).
- Partially erupted, making them hard to clean.
- Crowding other teeth creates tight spaces that trap food and plaque.
These conditions can lead to inflammation, infection, and gum disease around the wisdom teeth, a condition called pericoronitis. Removing problematic wisdom teeth can help prevent or control localized periodontal disease.
Does Removing Teeth Cure Periodontal Disease?
No, removing teeth does not cure symptom of periodontal disease. Extraction may be necessary if a tooth is too damaged or loose to be saved, but the underlying gum and bone infection still needs to be treated.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can continue to affect other areas of the mouth, even after some teeth are removed. That’s why ongoing gum disease treatment and maintenance are essential after any tooth extraction related to gum disease.
In cases of pericoronitis, removing the wisdom teeth can resolve the inflammation and disease. Your dentist or oral surgeon will remove the tooth, followed by antibiotic coverage.
Who is at the Highest Risk of Losing Teeth Due to Periodontal Disease?
- Individuals aged 65 and above
- Those who smoke
- Diabetic individuals
- Heavy alcohol consumers
- People with osteoporosis
- Individuals with inadequate oral hygiene
- People with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease
All these factors collectively heighten the risk of tooth loss. Now that we have covered that, we will elaborate more on various stages.
Answering the Question “How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?”
Consistent oral care and ongoing maintenance can preserve your teeth for a lifetime. Yes, not everyone with periodontal disease experiences tooth loss!
A 1978 study involving 600 individuals with periodontal disease revealed that half (300) didn’t lose teeth. Among the participants, 199 had lost 1-3 teeth, 76 had lost 4-9 teeth, and 25 had lost 10-23 teeth. Out of 2139 teeth assessed from the group, 666 were lost. In summary, approximately 31% of teeth were lost over a 22-year study period, with half of the participants avoiding tooth loss.
In a 2003 study spanning 12 years, tooth loss was examined in 156 patients. Only 61 patients experienced at least one tooth loss or extraction during this period, aligning closely with the prior study, where 50% of patients had experienced tooth loss.
Interestingly, around a third of individuals aged 65 and older have lost six or more teeth. However, tooth loss isn’t always linked solely to gum disease. Cavities and tooth decay can also contribute to tooth loss.
Conclusion
Now you know the symptoms of periodontal disease. Once diagnosed, periodontal disease becomes a lifelong condition that necessitates ongoing maintenance to prevent recurrence. Advanced periodontitis may lead to irreversible tooth loss.
Recognizing symptoms of periodontal disease early makes saving teeth from this disease more manageable.
For personalized care and lasting solutions, RiverRock Dental is here to help.
If you need advice on dental implants and want to learn more about our integrated approach to dental care, visit our Shakopee dental clinic or call (952) 445-5556.
Book a consultation with our expert dentist in Shakopee MN, today.
Our address: 403 1st Ave East Shakopee, MN 55379
