It’s better to avoid losing your teeth than to wait for the worst to happen. Periodontal disease is a serious dental issue that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Many patients with gum disease ask questions like, “How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease?” The truth is it depends on the severity of the disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a common oral health problem that affects the tissues around teeth. Poor oral hygiene might result in gum disease. Nevertheless, some people may get periodontal disease even with appropriate brushing and flossing.
When Do You Lose Your Teeth With Periodontal Disease?
You don’t always lose teeth with periodontal disease. Proper treatment and good oral hygiene can restore your dental health and prevent tooth loss. How long you can keep your teeth with periodontal disease depends on the stage of the gum disease.
Gingivitis
This is the early stage of periodontal disease caused by certain bacteria that inflame the gums. Gingivitis symptoms include redness, tenderness, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is curable if diagnosed early.
Tooth loss in Gingivitis
Gingivitis does not cause tooth loss. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can quickly progress to advanced stages of periodontal disease, causing irreversible harm.
Mild Periodontitis
In mild periodontitis, our gums allow the germs to penetrate and damage the underlying bone. Your gums can separate from your teeth and form pockets around them.
Tooth loss in Mild Periodontitis
Loss of supporting bone can damage your tooth, but the damage can be treated with a good oral care routine.
Moderate Periodontitis
The ligaments, soft tissues, and bones that support your teeth in place start to deteriorate if you don’t treat germs. Its symptoms are bad breath and pus (an infection) near your gum line.
Tooth loss in moderate periodontitis
The speed at which periodontal disease reaches this stage depends on oral hygiene. It takes a year for gum diseases to progress to moderate periodontitis, and tooth loss can occur in this stage.
Advanced Periodontitis
According to Cleveland Clinic, when periodontal disease reaches this stage, extensive infection, bone degradation, and tooth loss can happen. A weakened immune system makes it harder for you to fight off infections, which increases the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Can You Reverse Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease can only be reversed in its early stage, gingivitis, if it is given proper care and treatment. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, make your oral health a top priority. Brush and floss two times a day and avoid consuming harmful foods. Scaling and root planing can also remove tartar and encourage gum healing.
Final Say!
In a nutshell, how long you can keep your teeth with periodontal disease depends on its severity and stage. Consult our expert dentist, Dr. Reza Rahgozar, DDS, at SIMA Dental to learn more about tooth loss in periodontal disease. If you wish to book your appointment, call (281) 457-6444.