What Happens When Periodontal Disease Goes Untreated?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that damage the soft tissue at the center of the teeth. If it goes untreated, it can loosen the teeth and lead to tooth loss. Although quite common, periodontal disease is preventable with proper treatment and good oral hygiene. Regular trips to the dentist can help detect the disease before it impacts your oral health and reduces your chances of developing the disease.

Different Types of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis. This is the first stage of the disease which is caused by tartar accumulation. It irritates the gums and makes them red and bleed, but can be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.
Aggressive periodontitis. Those who are otherwise clinically healthy can still experience quick bone destruction and loss of gum attachment known as aggressive periodontitis.
Chronic periodontitis. This is the inflammation of the gums that damage the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, causing the teeth to get loose or shift. Characterized by gum recession, this is the most common form of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is caused by systemic diseases. This commonly begins at a young age and is triggered by medical conditions like diabetes, respiratory conditions, and heart disease.
Necrotizing periodontal disease. Usually found among individuals with systemic conditions like malnutrition, HIV, and immunosuppression and is characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

Long-Term Consequences of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease starts as simple gingivitis, where the gum tissues appear red and inflamed, which causes bad breath. When left untreated, it can lead to mild to moderate periodontal disease, manifested by bleeding gums and infections. As it progresses, bacteria and tartar invade deeper into the gum tissue and damage the underlying ligaments and bones. This causes receding gums, bone damage, and tooth loss.

The effects of this disease can spread beyond your teeth and gums. As tartar and bacteria continue to multiply, they can enter the bloodstream to travel to the different parts of the body and cause other health issues like diabetes, arthritis, stroke, and heart disease. This is why it is important to get periodontal disease treated before it impacts your overall health.

Causes and Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease

Chewing or smoking tobacco
Conditions that decrease immunity like leukemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment
Failure to regularly visit the dentist
Family history of periodontal disease
Frequent grinding and clenching of teeth
Health conditions like diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, kidney problems, and heart problems
Hormonal changes
Medications that affect gums and cause dry mouth
Poor oral hygiene and nutrition

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Brush your teeth. Brushing the teeth after meals helps remove food debris and plaque that has accumulated between the teeth and gums. Also, include your tongue as you brush because food particles and bacteria can also stay there.
Floss your teeth. Floss your teeth at least once every day to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and gums.
Rinse your mouth. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash, rinse your mouth to keep it germ-free and fresh.
Have a good diet. Avoid food and drinks that have high amounts of sugar because they can stimulate acid production in the mouth. Also, avoid sticky foods that can contribute to bacterial growth.
Visit your dentist. Visit your dentist every 6 months or twice a year. They will examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding bones, and look for symptoms and risk factors of periodontal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reversing gum disease and protecting oral health.

You do not have to lose your teeth because of periodontal disease. With proper care, you can make your pearly whites last a lifetime. If you are diagnosed with it, visit a reputable dentist in your area to get a treatment and care plan that will treat your oral health issue.