Periodontitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Periodontitis is a serious infection affecting the gums around teeth. This condition damages soft tissue and, when left untreated, can destroy the supporting bone structure. The consequences can be severe, including loose teeth or complete tooth loss.
This gum disease is widespread but generally preventable. Poor oral hygiene is typically the main cause.
Prevention and successful treatment depend on maintaining good dental habits:
- Brushing teeth at least twice daily
- Flossing every day
- Scheduling regular dental checkups
These simple practices significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontitis and improve treatment outcomes if the condition does occur.
Signs of Gum Disease
Healthy gums are firm and snug around teeth. They can range from light pink to dark pink or brown, depending on the person.
If you have periodontitis (gum disease), you might notice:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red, dark red, or purple gums
- Tender gums that hurt when touched
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Pink toothbrush after brushing
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Pain when chewing
- New spaces between teeth (sometimes called “black triangles”)
- Receding gums that make teeth look longer
- Changes in your bite
When to Visit Your Dental Provider
Early intervention prevents minor issues from developing into periodontitis. Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or changes in how teeth fit together
Regular dental exams help catch problems before they become serious. Your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease that you might miss at home.
What Causes Gum Disease
Gum disease usually starts with the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on teeth.
When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, they mix with bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. Daily brushing and flossing helps remove plaque, but it forms quickly and consistently on teeth.
If plaque remains on teeth, it can harden into tartar beneath the gum line. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing. You’ll need a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar deposits.
Both plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria that damage your teeth and gums. The longer these substances remain, the more harm they cause.
The progression of gum disease:
- Plaque formation – Sticky bacterial film forms on teeth.
- Tartar development – Hardened plaque below the gumline.
- Gingivitis – Early gum inflammation.
- Periodontitis – Advanced gum disease with tissue damage.
Plaque can cause gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. This condition causes irritation and swelling of the gum tissue around your teeth.
Continued inflammation can develop into periodontitis. This serious condition creates pockets between teeth and gums that fill with bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
These pockets deepen over time, leading to tissue and bone loss. Without treatment, teeth may loosen and fall out.
What Makes You More Likely to Get Gum Disease
Several factors can raise your chance of developing periodontitis:
Health Habits and Conditions
- Existing gingivitis
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Vaping or using marijuana
- Being overweight
- Not eating enough nutrients, especially vitamin C
Biological Factors
- Hormone changes during pregnancy or menopause
- Family history of gum disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
Other Risk Factors
- Medications that reduce saliva or affect gums
- Weakened immune system from conditions like HIV/AIDS
- Cancer treatments
- Leukemia
Complications
Periodontitis leads to more than just tooth loss. When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they can affect other body systems.
People with periodontitis face higher chances of developing:
- Respiratory diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Coronary artery disease
- Pregnancy complications (preterm birth and low birth weight)
For those with diabetes, gum disease makes blood sugar control more difficult. The relationship works both ways—diabetes increases infection risk, while infections make glucose management harder.
Prevention
Taking care of your teeth and gums is the best way to prevent gum disease. Good habits started early in life and maintained consistently offer the best protection against periodontitis.
Daily Oral Care Routine
Proper daily dental care forms the foundation of prevention:
- Brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily (morning and before bed)
- Floss at least once daily, preferably before brushing to loosen food particles and bacteria
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel
- Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
Consistency matters more than technique. Regular care removes harmful bacteria before they can cause inflammation and damage to your gums.
Professional Dental Care
Regular dental checkups are essential for prevention:
| Recommended Visit Schedule | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months | Standard recommendation |
| Every 3–4 months | Higher-risk individuals |
Your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease before you notice symptoms. Professional cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate.
Risk Factor Management
Several factors increase your risk of developing periodontitis. Managing these factors helps with prevention:
- Quit smoking or vaping (tobacco use significantly increases the risk and severity of gum disease)
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Maintain good nutrition with adequate vitamins and minerals
- Stay hydrated to ensure sufficient saliva production
- Manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms
Special Considerations
Some situations require extra attention to prevent gum disease:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can increase gum inflammation. Maintain excellent oral hygiene and don’t skip dental visits.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth or gum changes. Discuss side effects with your healthcare provider and dentist.
- Orthodontic appliances: Braces and other devices make cleaning more challenging. Use specialized tools, like interdental brushes.
- Existing health conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions may be connected to gum health. Share your medical history with your dentist.
Prevention Products
Several tools can enhance your prevention efforts:
- Electric toothbrushes – Often more effective than manual brushing.
- Water flossers – Helpful for people with dexterity issues or dental work.
- Interdental brushes – Clean between teeth when floss is difficult to use.
- Fluoride rinses – Provide additional protection against decay.
Remember that consistent basic care generally works better than expensive products used irregularly.
