Periodontal disease: Is it dangerous?

Many patients wonder, "Is periodontal disease dangerous?" This is a common dental condition that causes many symptoms, negatively affecting both gum and tooth health. Read this article to get answers to this question and learn how to identify the signs of periodontal disease.

I. What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums, ligaments surrounding the teeth, the bone of the tooth socket, and the cementum covering the root. If left untreated, it can lead to infections and damage to the tissues around the teeth.

Periodontal disease typically begins with gingivitis. This is the initial stage of the disease and can often be controlled and treated if detected early. As the disease progresses, bacteria accumulate and form pockets around the teeth. These pockets can become hiding places for bacteria and plaque, causing infections and damaging the bone and ligaments surrounding the teeth.

II. Is periodontal disease dangerous?

If periodontal disease is not treated in time, it can lead to many complications, such as:

• If periodontal disease is not treated promptly and progresses rapidly, it can result in permanent tooth loss. Tooth loss significantly affects chewing ability, speech, and overall oral health, as well as the patient's mental health.
• It causes bad breath, leading to a loss of confidence in communication.
• The bacteria from plaque can enter the bloodstream through damaged gum tissues, leading to severe infections that spread to other parts of the body.
• Bacteria from the gums can travel into the respiratory system, causing issues such as rhinitis, tonsillitis, and even bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Studies have shown that bacteria from the gums can affect the circulatory system, contributing to conditions like heart disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
• Infection from the gums can trigger immune responses, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Therefore, maintaining oral health is essential, not only to protect your teeth and gums but also to prevent negative effects on your overall health. Keeping your mouth clean can help reduce the risk of developing health issues related to periodontal disease.

III. Signs and causes of periodontal disease

1. Signs of periodontal disease

Common signs of periodontal disease include: 

• Swollen, infected gums that change color to dark red, bleed easily, and become less firm. There may also be mouth sensitivity and pain, with mild discomfort or pain when chewing tough foods.
• Infected gums increase sensitivity and make the gums more vulnerable, especially when brushing or using dental floss.
• The presence of plaque and bacteria, especially between the teeth and infected gums, causes bad breath.
• Pus may flow from the gums when pressed, a sign of severe infection.
• Infected and damaged gums may make chewing painful or uncomfortable.
• Periodontal disease can cause teeth to loosen and even lead to misalignment or gaps between teeth.

These signs usually develop gradually and don’t initially cause significant pain. Therefore, regular check-ups and gum care play an essential role in detecting and treating periodontal disease early. If you notice any of these signs, you should visit your dentist for an examination and appropriate treatment.

2. Causes of periodontal disease

• Poor oral hygiene: Not maintaining proper oral hygiene is one of the main causes of periodontal disease. Bacteria from plaque that accumulates around the gums and teeth can cause infections, leading to periodontal disease.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations in the body, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or even during menopause, can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of periodontal disease.
• Certain diseases: Conditions like cancer, immune system disorders, and diabetes can increase the risk of infection, particularly periodontal disease.
• Medications: Some medications, such as those for angina, anticonvulsants, and epilepsy treatments, can affect saliva flow, leading to abnormal gum tissue growth and increased risk of periodontal disease.
• Family history: If a family member has a history of gum disease, especially periodontal disease, there is a higher likelihood of developing the condition.

All of these factors can contribute to the appearance and development of periodontal disease.

IV. Treatment methods for periodontal disease

Controlling dental plaque and risk factors is the primary goal in treating periodontal disease. This includes these methods :

1. Local treatment methods

• Removing local irritants: Cleaning tartar, plaque, smoothing the root surface, and eliminating risk factors.
• Anti-inflammatory treatment: Topical medication for inflammation.
• Stimulating and activating the blood circulation around the teeth.

2. Systemic treatment methods

• Systemic antibiotics in certain cases, such as acute inflammation or chronic persistent disease.
• Enhancing the body's immunity.

3. Surgery:

• Flap surgery: In severe cases of periodontal disease, with pocket depths ≥ 5mm. The goal of surgery is to access the root surface within the gum pocket, removing or reducing the pocket depth.
• Periodontal tissue regeneration surgery: To regenerate lost soft tissue and bone after the inflammation has been controlled.

V. How to prevent periodontal disease effectively?

• Increase oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day.
• Use dental floss and water flosser daily to clean between teeth, areas where toothbrushes cannot reach.
• Visit the dentist regularly every 3 to 6 months for early detection and treatment.

This article provides essential information about periodontal disease and how to recognize the signs of this dental condition. Periodontal disease should be detected and treated as early as possible. Therefore, if you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you should visit a dentist for a thorough examination and advice on the most suitable treatment.

With over 23 years of experience and a highly skilled team of dentists, Herident Dental Clinic is a trusted and leading dental clinic in Hanoi.

Please contact us through our Hotline or visit our clinic for a thorough examination and advice on the appropriate treatment plan.