Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral health condition that affects the gums and can cause significant damage to the teeth and jawbone. Including poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medications, diabetes, hormonal changes, genetics, and certain diseases, such as HIV and AIDS.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor dental hygiene is one of the key risk factors for developing periodontal disease. When regular brushing and flossing are not done, plaque and tartar build up around the bases of the teeth, promoting gum inflammation and, eventually, gum disease.
2. Smoking: Smoking can dramatically increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. The chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products damage the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off bacteria and other oral health issues.
3. Certain Medications and Conditions: Certain medications and conditions can also increase the risk of periodontitis. People taking medications such as steroids, birth control pills, and some types of chemotherapy are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Those with diabetes and HIV/AIDS are also more likely to develop periodontal disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also increase the risk.
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How fast does periodontal disease progress?
The progression of periodontal disease varies from person to person, but it is generally a slow process. Most periodontal diseases progress slowly and can take several years to cause significant levels of damage.
On average, people with periodontal disease can experience a 1-2 mm of bone loss in the first year. However, if left untreated, periodontal disease can progress quickly, leading to the loss of teeth or other severe dental health concerns.
Factors like genetics, age and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of rapid progression, as well as smoking, poor oral hygiene and certain medications. It is important to talk to your dentist or periodontist as soon as you experience any symptoms of periodontal disease, as this can help them determine the best treatment options and slow down the progression of disease.
How do you catch periodontal disease?
Catching periodontal disease usually happens due to poor oral hygiene. This disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums which can lead to a bacterial infection. Periodontal disease can cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
Without regular brushing and flossing to remove accumulated plaque and tartar, periodontal disease can form.
It is also important to have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to help detect periodontal disease in its early stages. X-rays can be taken to look for signs of periodontal disease, such as bone loss around the teeth.
In its advanced stages, periodontal disease can even cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected.
If untreated, periodontal disease can cause more serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Consequently, it is important to be mindful of proper oral hygiene habits and receive regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure that you can catch periodontal disease and treat it before it causes any serious health issues.
Can periodontal disease be transmitted?
Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gums and other structures that support the teeth, and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, so it can be transmitted through saliva, blood, and even contact with oral tissue such as kissing.
However, it is important to note that just because two people have contact does not automatically mean that one person will become infected with the disease. It is more likely that those with a weaker immune system and poor oral hygiene are more at risk of contracting periodontal disease if they come in contact with an infected person.
The best way to reduce the risk of periodontal disease transmission is to practice good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
How quickly can you get periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that can develop over time. It is usually caused by the inflammation of the gums, which then leads to the breakdown of the support structures that hold the teeth in place.
The speed of the onset of periodontitis can vary and depend on multiple factors, such as how well one practices good oral hygiene, how quickly one responds to an increase in plaque, how much tartar buildup they have and how often they get a professional dental cleaning.
In general, the sooner it is treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Without proper care and regular dental check-ups, periodontitis can develop quickly and lead to tooth loss. Poor oral health, such as not brushing every day, smoking, and diet, can also be contributing factors to getting periodontitis quickly and making it worse.
If symptoms are left untreated, such as red, tender, and swollen gums, or bleed easily with brushing and flossing, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of periodontitis and prevent further damage.
Overall, periodontitis can develop quickly if it goes unchecked, but with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, its progression can be significantly slowed.
Can you kiss someone with periodontal disease?
Kissing someone with periodontal disease is not recommended as it can spread bacteria from one person to the other. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding structures that support the teeth, causing inflammation and loss of the supporting bone.
It can be caused by poor oral hygiene, and is one of the most common forms of oral health issues.
If one person has periodontal disease, their mouth likely contains more plaque and bacteria than someone without the infection. These bacteria can be easily passed on through kissing, worsening the periodontal disease in the other person.
In some cases, this spreading of bacteria can lead to gum disease in the other person and can pave the way for other health issues.
So, while it may not be impossible to kiss somebody with periodontal disease, it is not recommended for the health of both parties. If you or your partner suffer from periodontal disease, it is important that both of you see a dentist for a thorough check up and appropriate treatment.
What kills periodontal bacteria?
Periodontal bacteria can be killed by a variety of methods, ranging from the daily use of preventive oral hygiene procedures such as brushing and flossing, to more invasive procedures to help eliminate the bacteria from the mouth.
Professional dental cleanings, also referred to as scaling and root planing, uses special instruments to scrape tartar and bacteria from the teeth and gumline. Additionally, antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine may be used as part of the cleaning procedure with the primary goal of eliminating the bacterial biofilm containing the periodontal bacteria.
At-home use of antimicrobials in a mouthrinse formulation are also available. Antibiotics may also be necessary to eradicate periodontal bacteria from the mouth in certain cases.
Do teeth always fall out with periodontal disease?
No, teeth do not always fall out with periodontal disease. In many cases, treatment for periodontal disease can help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth. The goal of periodontal disease treatment is to reduce the damage that has already occurred and prevent further destruction.
Depending on the stage of the periodontal disease, successful treatments can include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, surgery, or even laser therapy. If the periodontal pockets have not yet become too deep to save the tooth, then treatment can help preserve the tooth, but if the pockets are too deep and the tooth and surrounding tissue is too damaged, then the tooth will need to be extracted.
Can periodontitis go away?
No, periodontitis cannot go away on its own. If it is left untreated, it can progress and become much worse. The loss of the alveolar bone structure that holds the teeth in place can result in tooth loss.
This is why it is essential to treat periodontitis as soon as it is diagnosed. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and receive professional periodontal care.
Treatment for periodontitis is individualized and is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. It may include deep cleaning procedures to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, antibiotic treatments, and in some cases, surgical procedures like pocket reduction or gum grafts.
Adopting a regular full-mouth oral care routine that is appropriate for your level of periodontal disease and following up with your dentist will help reduce the progression of the disease and promote healthy gums.
