4 Dangers of Leaving Periodontal Disease Untreated

Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth that hardens into calculus and works its way under the gum tissue. The longer it remains, the greater the chance of developing periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that will gradually worsen without treatment. It is important to seek treatment at the first signs and symptoms:

Red, inflamed gum tissue
Swollen gums
Bleeding gums
Moving teeth
Bad Breath

If periodontal disease is not addressed there are some serious problems that can develop, a lot of which are irreversible. Here are the top 4 dangers of leaving periodontal disease untreated.

Receding Gums.

The first type of permanent damage that can result from periodontal disease is receding gums. As the infection of the gum tissue spreads, the gum tissue gradually starts to pull away from the teeth. Not only does this leave the teeth inadequately supported and looking long, the exposed portion of the tooth root may be sensitive and has a higher risk of decay. The lost gum tissue will not grow back on its own; it can only be replaced by gum grafting.

Damage to the Jaw Bone.

The longer gum disease goes untreated, the more damage will occur. Gum disease eventually causes the jaw bone to deteriorate, which results in lack of support for the teeth and potential loss of facial shape and structure. The lost bone tissue will not regenerate automatically without treatment, such as bone grafting.

Loose Teeth.

Loss of gum and bone tissue will eventually result in loose teeth. The teeth may even fall out due to lack of support. Replacing these lost teeth is a challenge due to the extensive damage to the support structures. Missing teeth can only be replaced with bridges, dentures, and dental implants, and only after gum disease is treated and under control.

Bad Breath

Gum disease is caused by the same bacteria that cause Halitosis otherwise known as bad breath. The bacteria that cause disease release volatile sulfa compounds when they break down food products which can cause the breath to smell and have a rotten odor. By treating gum disease you remove these bacteria and can fix bad breath issues.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Gum disease may be treated with a few different procedures:

Scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus from the teeth and roots. It is essentially a deep cleaning of your teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the surface of the roots so that the gum tissue can reattach more firmly, eliminating spaces for plaque to gather. These procedures are typically performed in tandem.
Surgical periodontal procedures. Severe gum disease that results in damage may need to be treated surgically in order to remove damaged tissue and regeneratelost tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes and floss once a day. Try to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet, which feeds plaque and encourages the development of calculus.

How can I keep periodontal disease from recurring?

The same oral hygiene habits are important to keep gum disease from coming back, but additional treatment may be necessary. Periodontal maintenance includes deep cleaning appointments on a regular schedule to manage the infection.

Seek Treatment Today

If you have any signs or symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner the infection is treated, the sooner you can stop the damage and begin healing. Scott H. Froum DDS, PC provides periodontal maintenance and other procedures for the treatment and prevention of gum disease.

Call 212-751-8530 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

How Quickly Can Gingivitis Turn Into Periodontitis?

Gingivitis is a common condition caused by bacteria which affects the gum tissue. It is characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums, and sometimes bad breath. Periodontitis, sometimes called periodontal or gum disease, is a more advanced stage that occurs after gingivitis and results in loss of bone and gum tissue that hold the teeth in the mouth.

If you have the signs of gingivitis, you may be wondering how long it may take before it turns into periodontitis. Here’s what you need to know to treat gingivitis and prevent periodontitis from developing.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis may be indicated by one or a combination of the following symptoms:

Red gum tissue
Swollen gum tissue
Bleeding from the gums when brushing, flossing, or eating
Sore or tender gums
Bad breath

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the next stage when gingivitis has progressed to gum disease. The symptoms of periodontitis include the above symptoms of gingivitis, as well as:

Receding gums
Long looking teeth
Loose teeth
Teeth that have shifted
Pain when chewing or brushing your teeth
Bad breath

Stages of Periodontal Disease

There are 4 stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. There is some irritation of the gum tissue, causing them to be sore or bleed. Many people are not aware that they have gingivitis because the symptoms are mild. It is typically noticed by your dentist during a routine dental cleaning or bleeding when you brush and floss.
Early periodontal disease. When gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. The earliest stage includes moderate symptoms such as spacing or black triangles between the teeth and gums, slightly loose teeth, and pain when chewing. Once periodontitis has set in, there is irreversible damage to the support structures for the teeth. At this point the disease can be managed and treated.
Moderate periodontal disease. As periodontitis progresses the symptoms will worsen. There will likely be greater discomfort when chewing and there will be more extensive damage to the bone and gum that hold the teeth in the mouth.
Advanced periodontal disease. When periodontitis reaches the advanced stage there may be loss of teeth and significant damage to the jaw bone. It may not be possible to save all of the teeth at this point.

How Long Does It Take to Go From Gingivitis to Periodontitis?

From the earliest stage of gingivitis, it can take about anywhere from months to years to develop periodontitis, depending on individual patient factors. But this is only the case if the gingivitis is allowed to progress unchecked by a periodontist. Gingivitis is relatively easy to treat, but it is necessary to act quickly. Once it progresses to periodontitis it becomes much more difficult and more costly to treat.

How Can You Stop Gingivitis From Becoming Periodontitis?

At the first signs of gingivitis, the following steps can be taken to prevent periodontitis from developing:

Brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque. The best times are morning and at night before you go to bed. Be sure to brush thoroughly along your gum line.
Floss or water floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth. The best time to do this is at night before bed.
Go to the periodontist every 2-6 months for dental cleanings and oral exams. This removes the plaque that is left behind after brushing and provides early detection and monitoring of gingivitis symptoms.
Avoid eating processed foods high in sugars and trans-fats which cause inflammation.
Avoid tobacco use.
Manage diabetes and other metabolic conditions, if you have it, according to your doctor’s instructions.
Reduce your sugar intake.

Prevent Periodontitis With Help From Dr. Froum

Scott H. Froum, DDS, PC is a highly qualified periodontist who treats and helps prevent periodontitis. Our goal is to detect gingivitis in the early stages and provide the necessary treatment to prevent it from progressing to periodontal disease.

Call 212-751-8530 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Are you one of the many people who suffer from bleeding gums? If so, you're not alone. Some studies estimate that around 80% of people living in the United States have some form of gingivitis or bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can have a variety of causes and treatments.

Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a common health concern and can have a variety of different possible causes. The most common cause is gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that easily bleed during brushing or flossing. Poor oral hygiene is a leading factor in gingivitis, as it allows bacteria to build up and attack the gums. Genetics can play a role in people who develop gingivitis with some thoughts that around 50% of individuals that have bleeding gums can have a hereditary component. Additionally, hormonal changes often occur throughout pregnancy or during particular stages of aging and can also contribute to gingivitis and result in bleeding gums. To prevent or reduce bleeding gums, it is important to maintain consistent brushing and flossing habits and schedule regular cleanings with your periodontist.

How to Treat Bleeding Gums

Taking care of your gums is important for your overall health as well as your oral hygiene. To treat bleeding gums, cleaning them properly is key. Brushing twice a day with toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush, along with flossing or water flossing daily, can help to reduce inflammation by cleaning out bacteria from the periodontal pockets between the teeth and the gum line. Seeing a periodontist for a deeper cleaning may also be necessary if a standard cleaning does not improve the condition of the gums. A periodontist has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases around the teeth and gums, so they can help determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Treating bleeding gums will require diligence to ensure they heal properly while maintaining good oral hygiene habits can prevent future issues.

When to See a Periodontist for Bleeding Gums

It is important to see a periodontist if you experience continued bleeding of your gums, as this can be an indication of a gum infection or gum recession. If left unchecked, gum recession and infection can lead to bone loss around the teeth, known as periodontal disease. A periodontist will be able to diagnose the issue and offer treatment options which may include antibiotics, deep cleaning, or surgery. Seeing a periodontist for any continued bleeding from the gums is essential to protect your oral health and prevent future discomfort.

Foods to Eat and Avoid with Bleeding Gums

When suffering from bleeding gums, it is important to alleviate the symptoms by eating alkaline diets and avoiding highly processed sugars and acids. Eating alkalizing foods like green vegetables can help balance the acidity in the mouth as well as soothe and heal any inflamed areas. It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and rinse away bacteria that can cause additional gum irritation and swelling. Avoiding high sugar foods is also essential; sugary snacks like candy or fructose can actually weaken your gums over time, leading to further discomfort and dental problems. Furthermore, processed foods are generally unhealthy for several reasons; they often contain trans-fats which may cause inflammation, they tend to be high in sodium which encourages water retention, and they often lack necessary vitamins and minerals needed for proper gum health. Therefore, opting for nutritious alkaline foods with plenty of fluids is a great step towards improving bleeding gums.

What Vitamins are Best for Gum Health?

Vitamin C has long been known to be the most beneficial vitamin when it comes to gum health, protecting gums from irritation and inflammation. Vitamin B3 can also help keep gums in good condition by helping regenerate weakened tissue. Vitamin B6 is also important for healthy oral health, as it helps prevent bacterial growth around the gums and tooth enamel. Vitamin B9 plays an important role in reducing gum disease while Vitamin B12 helps maintain strong bone mass which is essential for good gum health. Vitamin E not only keeps gums well moisturized but can also aid in the regeneration of damaged tissues. Lastly, Calcium helps keep teeth strong and can help protect against plaque buildup on gums that causes disease. All of these vitamins together create a powerful mixture for keeping your gums healthy and your smile bright!

Prevention of Gum Disease

Taking care of your teeth is essential for maintaining that healthy, beautiful smile, and preventing gum disease. Prevention starts with using two steps: proper brushing and rinsing. It is also important to floss daily and visit the dentist for regular cleanings. Additionally, people should take into consideration what they eat since poor nutrition can lead to gum disease. A diet lacking in vitamins, minerals and probiotics can contribute to unhealthy bacteria buildup which in turn may cause gum problems such as leaky gut syndrome. Treating this condition requires altering one's diet to include foods/supplements that support good bacteria while limiting those that promote unhealthy bacteria. By following these instructions, you will be taking great strides towards having a healthier mouth!

In Summary:

Bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying issues and should not be ignored. By understanding the various causes, our patients now have some possible solutions to address bleeding gums. A combination of treatments like professional dental cleaning and home remedies is usually necessary to fight off the infection and stop the bleeding. Eating healthy foods, avoiding sugary snacks and drinks, and keeping up with good oral hygiene are all important for prevention. If left untreated gum problems can lead to other serious health issues, so it’s important to take action when you observe any signs of bleeding gums. Consulting with a periodontist who is knowledgeable about gum diseases might be the best way for patients to find their individualized solution for solving the issue at hand. For more information, please contact our office for a consultation.