About this topic
Periodontitis is an advanced gum infection. You have swelling around a tooth. The germs can start to destroy tissue and bone. When only the gums are swollen, it is gingivitis. If this is not treated, the germs may go deeper and cause periodontitis. You can lose bone and teeth if this problem becomes very serious. Not caring for your teeth properly is the main cause of periodontal disease. Good teeth and mouth care may help prevent this problem. ‚
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What are the causes?
Plaque is a sticky material made of germs and tiny bits of food. It is all throughout your mouth. You brush and floss to get rid of plaque. If you dont get rid of it, plaque can become a hard deposit called tartar. You may need a professional dental cleaning to remove the tartar. ‚
Both plaque and tartar can irritate your gums. Irritation and swelling of the gums is called gingivitis. This problem can go below the gum line into deeper tissues and bones. Then, the gums may pull away from the teeth. This is called periodontitis. As the germs go deeper, they can start to destroy tissue and bone. You can lose your teeth due to periodontitis. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Causes from life-style choices:
- Poor mouth care
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Stress
- Causes you may not have control over:
- Family history
- Mouth problems like crooked teeth, bad fillings, or bridges that no longer fit right
- Taking drugs that cause dry mouth or inflammation of the gum tissue
- Diseases like diabetes or those that give you a weak immune system like HIV
What are the main signs?
- Swollen, tender gums
- Bright red or red-purple gums
- Gums look shiny
- Gums that bleed easily
- Pain when chewing food
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath or bad taste in mouth
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your dentist will look at your mouth. Your dentist will use a special probing tool in between the gums and teeth to check for bleeding and how much damage there is. Your dentist may order x-rays of your teeth to accurately view the bone loss that cannot be seen by the eye. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Drugs
- Scrape to remove tartar from the teeth and below the gums
- Smooth and polish rough spots on the teeth to prevent more tartar from building up
- In very serious cases you may need surgery to make the pockets smaller. You may also have to have bone replaced.
- Treat other health problems that may be causing your gum disease
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Tooth loss or tooth shifting
- Infection
- Tooth abscess
- Pain
- Periodontitis could come back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times each day to get rid of plaque. Use fluoride toothpaste. Try using an electric toothbrush to remove plaque from the teeth. It may work better in hard to reach places than a regular toothbrush.
- Floss each day. Use regular floss or dental picks. Ask your dentist which tools will work best for you.
- See your dentist 1 to 2 times each year for a professional cleaning and check-up. You may need to go more often if you are having problems. People with periodontal disease may also need to go more often.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you do, talk with your dentist about trying to quit.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; a sore that will not heal; swelling, redness, warmth around the gums; too much pain when touched; pus coming out of the gums.
- Heavy bleeding of the gums
- Worsening bad breath
- Loose teeth
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Periodontics.aspx ‚
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ‚
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚