Periodontitis

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

aSmoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
aCertain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
aMany medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
aPregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
aSystemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
aGenetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

aRed and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
aBleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
aPersistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
aNew spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
aLoose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
aPus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
aReceding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
aTenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Q: Why is it important to use dental floss?

A: Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

aTake 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
aUsing your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
aCurve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

Q: How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?

A: If you’re feeling somewhat self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
periodontitis?
well, I think I have periodontitis…I’m no dentist, but I’ve looked at the symtoms and I seem to have them…receding gum lines and a tooth of mine seems quite sensitive….when I push on it. It seems to only be on my lower teeth though. I don’t know am I a lost cause? I’m so young but I have no insurance and no money to go to the dentist right now…..Could my teeth still be fixed? Is it too late…I mean my teeth don’t look horrible
- ANSWER:
  the recession will cause sensitivity, try using an extra soft toothbrush and sensodyne or any toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Flossing is a MUST. If you have no dental insurance I highly recommend you floss daily and brush twice a day to prevent any problems. If the bleeding/redness doesn’t go away after awhile then you may have perio disease. The sensitive tooth may be a cavity, if it hurts when drinking cold water etc. But it is unlikely to have periodontitis under age 30. Ask family members to see if they have the same problem, could have genetic perio problems. If you can scrape together enough money for a dental cleaning that would be best to remove tartar and bacteria under gums then just keep up with flossing, brushing
QUESTION:
Periodontitis?
With periodontal disease am I doomed to have reddish almost pink gums even if I’ve been doing all the deep cleaning, perio maintanance, and oral care at home for the rest of my life? Oh I had 4mm pockets in my teeth. So I know that I will go back to regular dental cleanings twice a year. But I want my gums to look a little bit more normal. Will this ever happen or the way the look now is how they will look till I loose all my teeth??? I feel so bad about myself and hate that I didn’t go to the dentist on time. It’s like I’m obssessing about my gums now. Can someone help me???
- ANSWER:
  I used to work as a dental assistant. If you keep up with your appointments pretty soon you will be fine!
QUESTION:
Why do I have periodontitis despite having good oral hygiene?
I brush twice daily, floss daily and use mouthwash daily too. However, I still got periodontitis. The dental x-ray revealed bone loss in teeth and the probe went deep into the gum when dentist poked gum. I am at a loss to understand why I got periodontitis despite best of oral hygiene. I am 33 years old male
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
What can i do to prevent further bone loss due to periodontitis?
i have lost significant bone because of periodontitis. I had root planing and scaling procedure done and dentist i would need this procedure done every 3 months. I use sensitivity toothpaste now and floss 4 times daily and use mouthwash daily. What more can I do to prevent further bone loss? My teeth feel weak already
i brush twice a day
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
What to do about the bone loss caused by periodontitis?
Periodontitis has been discovered late. I kept delaying treatment due to lack of dental insurance. however the gum infection got severe and i felt tooth aches and loosening. So i was forced to seek treatment now. I paid over 1000 for root planing and scaling. Dental x-ray shows significant bone loss and pockets. I regret having delayed treatment. Dentist said I need this procedure every 3 months. What to do about the bone that has been lost?
- ANSWER:
  Find a dentist that does LANAP and do that instead of scaling and root planing.
QUESTION:
How long does periodontitis take to result in tooth loss?
From the time that one develops periodontal disease, what is the length of time (on average) it takes for the disease (without receiving professional dental treatment) to result in the first tooth loss?
- ANSWER:
  It’s a silent killer because periodontitis doesn’t hurt. Usually I see it in patients in their fifties, but I’ve seen it in patients in their twenties. The chief complaint is that they can’t chew with certain teeth b/c it moves around too much. Or they can’t chew on a certain side b/c they have a massive infection around the teeth. Extractions is the usual treatment for severe periodontitis.
  
  This is the most frustrating disease b/c it’s 100% preventable and 100% manageable (periodontitis never goes away, you have to manage it if you get it, like diabetes). Regular dental visits 2 times a year even if nothing hurts. This disease won’t hurt in the beginning. Brush and floss and if you don’t know how to do it properly just google it.
  
  I think many of my patients truly underestimate it because they don’t want to pay for an office visit, check up x-rays, and a cleaning. Their mentality is, if it doesn’t hurt, I don’t have a problem. Once they get the disease, they’re unhappy because I can’t “fix it” for them, I can only tell them how to manage it.
QUESTION:
Can a dentist help my periodontitis?
I have periodontal disease. I’ve never gone to a dentist because my family has never had dental insurance, along with the usual feelings of fear and embarrassment.

My gums have receded and I’ve tried to keep the disease from getting worse by brushing all the time and using Listerine. I called a periodontist’s office, but he’s booked until June. I’m scared to wait that long.

The lady told me to go to a dentist, but I know that my problem is more so for a periodontist and not a regular dentist. I know I will probably have to have root planning and scaling.

Will going to a dentist be even worth it? I’m scared to wait any longer, but I need to go to a periodontist, but all of them in my area seem to be booked up for at least a few months.

I know it’s not at the beginning. I guess it’s moderate to severe. My teeth don’t seem loose or anything like that, but I’m still scared out of my mind, especially since I can’t seem to get to a periodontist soon.
- ANSWER:
  seek out a dental clinic in your area. some hospitals have them. or u can go to a dental college. they go by what u can afford, u may be able to pay nothing. a periodontist would help. to keep from losing your teeth, everyday take vitamin c and calcium w/ vit. d. luck to u.
QUESTION:
Do gums bleed in all three stages of periodontitis?
I just want to know if gums bleed and are sensitive in gingivitis,early periodontitis,moderate periodontit is and advanced periodontitis.cause i think i have it but my gums do not bleed and don’t feel sensitive..
so perio problems without bleeding is still peridontitis?
- ANSWER:
  Yes.its almost a certainty,however gum problems in general can occur with bleeding.check with a dentist.
QUESTION:
What is the difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis disease?
- ANSWER:
  Gingivitis is the first stage of Periodontal disease and it’s the chronic inflammation of the gums alone.
  If left untreated it spreads to the underlying periodontal ligament and alveolar bone and that’s when the teeth begin to become loose as their supporting structure is lost.
  This is the last stage and is known as Periodontal Disease.
  Gingivitis affects the gums and Periodontal affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
QUESTION:
Can dentist tell periodontitis from initial exam and x rays?
If it was bad would he say so. I was only told i need deep cleaning. Nothing about bad disease or anythng
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
can jaw pain be connected to periodontitis?
I have pain in my left upper jaw. After brushing teeth thoroughly, the pain disappears and i get lot of relief in jaw. Brushing on the jaw bone, gives lot of relief. Is it possible that jaw pain is connected to periodontitis? if so, then what’s the remedy?
- ANSWER:
  Yes, you need to treat that periodontitis asap!
QUESTION:
Can periodontitis heal if good oral care is taken ?
or do the gums really need surgery?
- ANSWER:
  Good oral would probably have prevented the periodontal disease so trying this alone to “cure” it now is too late.
  
  Alternatives to sugery include scaling and root-planing. These are the components of periodontal debridement and when combined with very good oral hygiene can allow gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth. Debridement and oral hygiene are for the early stages of periodontal disease but even with advanced disease, debridement is often used before surgery and can limit the areas of gum tissue that ultimately require surgery.
  
  The need for surgery depends on the stage the disease has reached and only your dentist can determine that. Another thing to keep in mind is that another condition can sometimes aggrevate and excelerate gum disease — malocclusions (parafunction). So this is something that would need to be addressed.
QUESTION:
Is there a over the counter for Periodontitis?
I think I have it but only my top gums bleed and I can’t pay a dentist. I floss and brush daily. I Brush twice a day and rinse my mouth with water after every meal or drink.
- ANSWER:
  You really need to go get it checked out. It sounds to me like you have gum disease and it can spread to your brain if you don’t get it taken care of. There are discount dental plans if you do not have dental coverage that can save you a lot of money when going to the dentist. You should really go and get it checked out.
QUESTION:
Deep cleaning for Periodontitis in one sitting, possible?
Hi everbody,
I have Periodontitis and the doctor told me that it will require four sesssion of deep cleaning for each quads. I talked with other doctor and he said me you can have deep cleaning in one session for all the quads. Is it a wise thing to do in one session.
- ANSWER:
  ummm depending on how bad your teeth are – do you want one quad sore or your whole mouth. i would try to do two quads at a time. recommended is one at a time
QUESTION:
upon completion of dental work and proper home care is advanced periodontitis curable?
- ANSWER:
  The accepted wisdom is that you are never ‘cured’ once the bacteria are there you will always have the risk for more perio destruction. So, that is not to say you cannot stop the progression, and keep it in check with proper care and daily oral hygiene….SO, take the chance, get done what has been prescribed, do all you can, as a healthy mouth, is better for you, and your heart….good luck
QUESTION:
Does biotene mouthwash help control periodontitis?
I have periodontitis with bone loss. Periodontist told me to use biotene mouthwash because he believes dry mouth is caused by the several medications I take. He told me anti-depressant medications dry the mouth and because I have been on them long time, I should use biotene mouthwash. However, what does biotene have to do with periodontitis and bone loss? Does it cure or control further periodontal disease? i did have dry mouth but i drink water.
- ANSWER:
  You really should see a periodontist and get it under control. Those mouthwashes might help a bit to keep it from coming back once it has been treated.
QUESTION:
How can you reverse periodontitis?
is there a way to reverse or treat periodontitis without seeing a professional, my boyfriend looks like hes starting to show symptoms but he does have dental insurance so if anybody knows it would really help
- ANSWER:
  no, he’s going to have to go to a dentist. It will get worse over time and his teeth will start to get loose and he’ll eventually lose them. He can also pass the bacteria to you and possibly cause you to have it as well.
QUESTION:
can periodontitis cause swollen lymph nodes in the jaw?
its been about a month, with painful lymph node on left side. Sometimes with pressure that gives me a slight earache. I was told a year ago that I had periodontitis. Could this cause this symptom?
- ANSWER:
  yes, any sort of infection can give you swollen lymph nodes
QUESTION:
Looking for the name of a juvenile periodontitis disease?
I have a gum disease that is mostly found in African American woman that causes numbers as high as 7 and 10 in between the spaces between your teeth.
I can not think of the name of it…
Some other features of the disease is it deteriorates the gum and causes the tooth to fall out if not treated. The only way to fix the problem is surgery…can someone help me please?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
When/who was the first case of juvenile periodontitis discovered?
Need History about Juvenile Periodontitis!! if u know about the disease history!!
- ANSWER:
  THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN MADE KNOWN TO PERIODONTISTS FOR MANY YEARS. HERE’S A LINK THAT EXPLAINS IN MORE DETAIL:
  
  http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/botrender.fcgi?blobtype=html&artid=550734
QUESTION:
Anyone with information on K9 Periodontitis?
Hi. I am looking for more information on Periodontitis in dogs and what is used as treatment for advanced cases.
Please don’t tell me to ask a vet. All I want is information.
Was just reading a pamphlet my vet gave me for my puppy and am curious about it.

Thanks.
- ANSWER:
  Depending on where you live, dogs and cats can get the same periodontal care as humans. X-rays, cleanings, caps, root canals, and more can be done.
  
  But the big question is how much can you afford. If your dog’s teeth are really bad your veterinarian will probably recommend extractions. Some teeth can be cleaned up and with regular care may regain their former health.
  
  Current studies have shown that mostly all over-the-counter dental chews, rinses, pastes, etc. DO NOTHING except cost you money. And Yes, GREENIES are ineffective plus they make really nice obstructions (requiring $$$ surgery) when swallowed in large pieces.
  
  You can email me if you have specific questions.
QUESTION:
Can early periodontitis be completely halted and can my gums return to health?
I was recently diagnosed with early periodontitis. My whole life my gums and teeth have been normal and healthy. Then last year i had a family emergency and began slacking a little on my oral hygiene, but still brushed every day, just no flossing. I am back to brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. I am having root planing and scaling done. I know the slight gum loss i’ve had can’t be reversed, but can i completely eradicate the gum disease and stop further progression and gum and bone loss by maintaining good oral hygiene,
- ANSWER:
  Yes you can halt the disease, but you can never regain the bone loss that you have suffered. Don’t be to worried about seventy percent of the population have some form of periodontal disease. It is due to poor home care and not flossing. No matter how much we try to drill into our patients head that they need to floss every day many still do not do it. It is great that you are concerned about your oral health and I am sure from here on out you will be diligent with your home care. As long as you are following the instructions that your hygienist is giving you then you should be fine. Because you have periodontal disease you will always have to be extra careful with your home care routine but doing the proper home care will hopefully ensure that you will not have to deal with further bone loss and infection. Remember that any bleeding you get while brushing and flossing is a sign that the disease has come back and your gums have infection again. If this happens see your dentist/hygienist right away to check your pocket depths. Also a three month recall system is the standard when you have been diagnosed with perio. Seeing your dentist/hygienist more often ensures that they can keep a closer watch on your oral health. Good luck.
QUESTION:
Is an acute apical periodontitis the same as a dental infection?
- ANSWER:
  Acute inflammation of the periapical tissue usually represents an extension of acute pulpal inflammation. The periapical tissues become inflamed and the tooth is usually very tender when used in mastication. No pathology is seen in the bone on a radiograph. The treatment consists of either root canal therapy or extraction
QUESTION:
How can I treat mild periodontitis?
Today my dentist said I have mild periodontitist. my gums would always bleed when I brushed and my teeth always hurt really bad…I got a cleaning today and im going to use flouride toothpaste twice a day and floss. Can this be completely treated this way? If so, how long will it take to make my gums healthy again?
thanks in advance.
I’m 14 years old. I had gingivitis at first, but I ignored it and got periodontitis..I made a huge mistake.
- ANSWER:
  I am a Dental Hygienist. If you were diagnosed with mild periodontitis, then you need a “deep cleaning” to treat it. This is called Scaling and Root Planing. Periodontitis is the loss of attachment between your gum tissue and teeth, eventually leading to the loss of bone surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, further infection will occur, mobile teeth will develop, and eventually the loss of teeth will occur. Periodontitis usually starts as gingivitis or the inflammation of the gums from poor plaque control and homecare; healthy gums should never bleed or be painful. As plaque and virulent bacteria gather below the gumline, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. You definitely need a deep cleaning. After you get Scaling and Root Planing, you should be put on a 3-4month recall visit, known as Perio maintenance, which then will consist of regular cleanings and monitoring of your tissue attachment and bone levels. Hope this helps!
QUESTION:
know anything more than usual regarding corelation between periodontitis and diabetes?
the basic relation is all known to me as much as any periodontist should know. I want something that is not yet known…..
- ANSWER:
  If it is not yet known, how could we know it?
QUESTION:
What is a localized juvenile periodontitis?
- ANSWER:
  It’s basically periodontist in a child that is confined to less than 30% of your mouth.
QUESTION:
Can a 15 year old get Periodontitis?
My grandfather has it, and I was wondering if I could possibly get it now, or later in life. I don’t really have the strongest teeth.
- ANSWER:
  Yes. It can be hereditary. You should check with your dentist to see what precautions can be taken. Some forms can be transmitted depending on the type of bacteria. There are other risk factors involved and you should definitely work on the preventative side of things and proper brushing flossing and using dental rinses.
QUESTION:
periodontitis-how long can bateria stay inside the gum be4 pocket appears?how soon tooth start to fall?
Due to overnight work in April/May-06, my son missed brushing his teeth on one occasional till the following noon. In late Dec-06, he went to the dentist for his periodical checkup, and was asked by the dentist if he wants to be referred to see a gum specialist for gingivitis/periodontitis and root canal treatments. As there was no pain in his tooth or gum, my son was unawared of it. In mid Jan-07, he went to see the gum specialist who asked him if he wants a “deep cleaning” in the gum, but the gum specialist did not recommend root canal treatment. Will his teeth falls? Since there is no sympton or pain, except the gum is pulled away from his tooth, is “deep cleaning” treatment still necessary after such a long time and will it be too late to undergo the deep cleaning treatment after so many months? Does the bateria still remain in the gum after more than 6 months?
- ANSWER:
  IT DOES NOT DEPEND ON HOW LONG THE BACTERIA ARE THERE, IT IS THE TYPE OF BACTERIA AND THE IMMUNE RESPONSE OF THE HOST.
QUESTION:
my gum bleed ever-time i brush but the is no inflammation or signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis.?
anyone tell me how to cure this
any other symptoms i should look out for?
- ANSWER:
  Bleeding gums is in itself a sign of gum disease….Just because there is no inflammation doesn’t mean everything is good. Get a professional cleaning and let them inspect for disease.
  
  **What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
  Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease.
  
  The symptoms of gum disease include:
  
  Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  Red, swollen, or tender gums
  Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  Receding gums
  Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  Loose or shifting teeth
  Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.
  
  Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.
QUESTION:
what type of bacteria is presenct in advanced lesion of periodontitis?
- ANSWER:
  Gram negative anaerobes. Many different kinds. They don’t require oxygen and like the warm, dark, moist environment.
QUESTION:
Is there an alternative to gum surgery for periodontitis? Such as herbal remedies.?
- ANSWER:
  If it’s bad enough to require surgery, NO.
  Don’t delay, it will only get worse.
  The ‘alternative` is waiting for the teeth to fall out.
QUESTION:
What are some natural ways to treat Periodontitis (bacterial gum disease)?
- ANSWER:
  Have you tried using Neem Toothpaste?
  Also CoQ10-rub onto gums where teeth and gums meet.
QUESTION:
are there differnet kinds of gum infections other than just gingivitus and periodontitis?
- ANSWER:
  THERE IS A WIDE ARRAY OF PATHOLOGY THAT INVOLVES THE GUMS. GINGIVITIS IS THE MOST COMMON.
QUESTION:
bad gingivitus or periodontitis?
below my teeth my gums have turned pretty dark red and the bottoms have started to receed a little, ive started brushing alot lately and flossing and the bleeding from doing so has gone away alot, i have one or two little sores on my gums but they seem to be getting better too, and my teeth arent loose and havnt been “mobile”. any input is appreciated and any remedies to help me are also helpful. thanks!
its just weird because from what ive read online i have symptoms of both, its like im in between getting full on periodontitis and just having bad gingivitus
- ANSWER:
  i was diagnosed with gingivitis yesterday and it is the inflammation of the gums if not treated can lead to periodontitis.
  I would go see a dentist and you can get these special flossing brushes.
  It is normal for your gums to bleed if you have gingivitis.
  Go see your dentist if your really worried!
  Hope I helped
QUESTION:
what the different between gingivitis & periodontitis?
if you have bleeding gum is this mean gingivitis or periodontits
- ANSWER:
  Gingivitis is when only the gums are affected and it is easily reversible. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you have gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily reversed with daily flossing and brushing twice daily. An anti-gingivitis mouthwash (Listerine or Crest Pro-Health Rinse) will also help, but it will not substitute for flossing.
  
  Periodontitis is when the infection has moved from the gums and into the supporting bone and tissues. Once you start losing bone, it cannot be rebuilt except with surgery. Bone loss leads to loose teeth and tooth loss. The link below has more information if you want to read some more on it.
QUESTION:
Is there toothpaste for periodontitis?
I have severe periodontitis. I am having significant bone loss and weakening of tooth. Fluoride toothpaste does no good for periodontitis. It may be anti fluoride but offers zero protection against progressing periodontitis. Please let me know if there is any anti-periodontitis toothpaste? Don’t just say “anti-fluoride colgate or crest” because that’s clearly a lie
correction: “anti cavity” not anti fluoride
- ANSWER:
  Toothpaste will not help periodontal disease. It will not restore bone that you’ve already lost, nor will it reattach the gums to the root. This is a disease that needs to be treated. Toothpaste simply helps clean the outer surface of the tooth. Periodontal disease is under the gums. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria under the gums. The bacteria lumps into hard pieces called tartar. This needs to be scraped off the tooth with dental instruments. Periodontal disease caused pockets to form between the gum and the tooth and this is where the bacteria build up. Toothbrushes, even electric, can not get down to the base of these pockets. If left untreated, you will continue to loose bone and eventually will loose the teeth.
  
  If you are interested in saving your teeth, you need to have this disease treated by a dentist or periodontist. Otherwise you are going to loose them. Periodontal disease has also been connected to other health conditions such as weakened immune system, heart disease, pre-term labor, etc. Periodontal disease is an infection. Infections can not be treated with any type of toothpaste. Compair it to someone having a gangrene infection. Antibiotics won’t treat this. You would have to remove all the signs of disease and infection. Most of the time the treatment for periodontal disease is a periodontal scaling (deep cleaning). This is where they numb you and scrape all the tartar off the teeth and try to flush out as much of the infection and bacteria as possible. You would have to have continuous follow up appointments every 3-4 months after this to ensure the disease doesn’t progress. This is not a disease that can be treated at home.
QUESTION:
Could a dentist tell you have periodontitis from just an X-ray?
- ANSWER:
  Yes. They do a comprehensive oral exam, which includes probing to measure for pocketing. 1-3millimeters is normal. 4-5 means you need to floss better. 6 is serious and the beginning of Perio disease, anything over 7 is surgery territory.
  A Periodontist will take a Panorex or FMX to look for bone deterioration. If Perio disease is sever or advanced enough, it will show in the bone.
QUESTION:
i am getting my tongue pierced tomorrow and i have periodontitis any advice?
- ANSWER:
  I’m not sure you should be getting your tongue pierced with an inflammatory disease like that.
QUESTION:
Treatment for periodontitis?
My dentist informed last week me that I have periodontitis. 32 of the pockets are 4 or 5 mm deep. He recommended that I have a “deep cleaning” done. I am interested in getting the scaling done, although expensive since I don’t have dental insurance, but without the proposed antibiotics treatment as I cannot afford the additional cost of antibiotics.

In the meantime, I have been educating myself about gum diseases, and I am not sure whether I should get the scaling done since it appears that “flap surgery”, in many cases, follows.

My question is whether there is some home care treatment I can follow to reduce the pocket sizes without getting the scaling done.

Your answers will be much appreciated.
Thank you all for your answers. In sincerely appreciate it.
- ANSWER:
  Unfortunately, there are no home remedies for periodontitis.
  
  Periodontitis results usually from the presence of hardened tartar on your tooth roots below the gumline. The hardened tartar are masses of germs, and they are irritating and breaking down the connective tissues in your gums and underlying bone. The only way to stop that would be to get rid of the tartar below the gumline, and there are no home remedies that can do that.
  
  The only way to remove tartar below the gumline is to scrape it off, and that’s what the scaling and root planing (SRP) does.
  
  Flap surgery is to reduce the depth of the pockets so you won’t get tartar trapped so far below the gumline. Sometimes it’s necessary if dirty things are still getting trapped below your gumline despite the SRP.
  
  The peridex rinse mentioned by the above poster works to prevent plaque buildup, but it’s not intended for long-term use– prolonged use can stain your teeth.
  
  Hope this helps.
QUESTION:
If my teeth are loose because of periodontitis, is it too late to save it?
- ANSWER:
  Depends on how loose it is. If you can turn the tooth, twist it, or push it down, that is very bad.
  
  If it wiggles a bit (1 to 2 millimeters for you precise types) that is a tooth that might be saved if you get your periodontitis treated.
  Remember that periodontitis releases proteins and enzymes into your blood stream, these have been linked to heart disease and worsening diabetes.
  Please get to a dentist soon, trust me, dentures are a pain – they do NOT replace teeth. They only replace NO teeth conditions.
QUESTION:
Which substance causes neurolysis in chronic generalized periodontitis?Please answer before tonight.?
Why is there no pain in periodontitis?Please answer before tonight…
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Do I have gingivitis or periodontitis?
A few months ago I noticed that my gums were red, but I didn’t think anything about, a few days ago I looked at them and thought that I should schedule a dentist appointment. The only symptoms I have is red gums, but they are only red around the outline of my teeth the rest of my gums are pink. And my teeth aren’t loose and they seem to be perfectly placed in my gums.
- ANSWER:
  Usually with gingivitis or periodontitis, bleeding occurs as well. If you have red gingival margins with no inflammation, bleeding, or pain, it might be a vitamin deficiency. Try a multivitamin if this is the case.
QUESTION:
Periodontitis – Can Supplements Help?
I’ve recently found out from my dentist that I have Periodontitis. I have booked to see a hygenist and have started doing some research on other ways to help my gums.

I’ve heard that CoQ10 and calcium supplements can help. Has anyone else tried this and if so, seen any positive results?
- ANSWER:
  Any natural antibiotic will help. Grapefruit Seed Extract comes to mind.
  
  My periodontitis DISAPPEARED when I had all my mercury (sliver fillings) removed. There is a well-documented correlation there.
  
  Also brushing with a Sonicare toothbrush and flossing daily with floss soaked in peroxide.
QUESTION:
Does anyone know about complications of acute periodontitis? Is there really no cure for it?
- ANSWER:
  Periodontitis, Pyorrhea, or gum disease, is a disease involving inflammation of the gingiva, which, often persisting unnoticed for many years in a patient, can result in loss of clinical periodontal attachment between the teeth and the surrounding alveolar bone. This differs from gingivitis, where there is inflammation of the gingiva but no loss of clinical attachment; thus, it is the loss of clinical attachment around that differentiates between these two oral inflammatory diseases.
  
  Prevention
  Daily oral hygiene measures to prevent periodontal disease include:
  
  brushing properly on a regular basis (at least twice daily), with the patient attempting to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum-line, so as to help disrupt the bacterial growth and formation of subgingival plaque and calculus.
  flossing daily and using interdental brushes (if there is a sufficiently large space between teeth), as well as cleaning behind the last tooth in each quarter.
  using an antiseptic mouthwash. Chlorhexidine gluconate based mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide in combination with careful oral hygiene may cure gingivitis, although they cannot reverse any attachment loss due to periodontitis. (Alcohol based mouthwashes may aggravate the condition).
  regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning as required. Dental check-ups serve to monitor the person’s oral hygiene methods and levels of attachment around teeth, identify any early signs of periodontitis, and monitor response to treatment.
  Typically dental hygienists (or dentists) use special instruments to clean (debride) teeth below the gumline and disrupt any plaque growing below the gumline. This is a standard treatment to prevent any further progress of established periodontitis. Studies show that after such a professional cleaning (periodontal debridement), bacteria and plaque tend to grow back to pre-cleaning levels after about 3-4 months. Hence, in theory, cleanings every 3-4 months might be expected to also prevent the initial onset of periodontitis. However, analysis of published research has reported little evidence either to support this or the intervals at which this should occur.[2] Instead it is advocated that the interval between dental check-ups should be determined specifically for each patient between every 3 to 24 months.[3][4]
  
  Nonetheless, the continued stabilization of a patient’s periodontal state depends largely, if not primarily, on the patient’s oral hygiene at home if not on the go too. Without daily oral hygiene, periodontal disease will not be overcome, especially if the patient has a history of extensive periodontal disease
  
  Treatment of established disease
  If good oral hygiene is not yet already undertaken daily by the patient, then twice daily brushing with daily flossing, mouthwashing and use of an interdental brush needs to be started. Technique with these tools is very important.
  
  A dental hygienist or a Periodontist can use professional scraping instruments, such as scalers and currettes to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (formerly referred to as tartar) around teeth and below the gum-line. There are devices that use a powerful ultra-sonic vibration and irrigation system to break up the bacterial plaque and calculus. Local anesthetic is commonly used to prevent discomfort in the patient during this process.
  
  It is difficult to induce the body to repair bone that has been destroyed due to periodontitis. Much depends on exactly how much bone was lost and the architectural configuration of the remaining bone. Vertical defects are those instances of bone loss where the height of the bone remains somewhat constant except in the localized area where there is a steep, almost vertical drop. Horizontal defects are those instances of more generalized bone loss, resulting in anywhere from mild to severe loss of initial bone height. Sometimes bone grafting surgery may be tried, but this has mixed success. Bone grafts are more reliable in instances of vertical defects, where there might be a sufficient “hole” within which to place the added bone. Horizontal defects are rarely if ever able to be grafted properly, as there is nowhere to secure the bone.
  
  Dentists sometimes attempt to treat patients with periodontitis by placing tiny wafers dispensing antibiotics underneath the gumline in affected areas. However, the general scientific consensus is that antibiotic treatment is of minimal value in treating bone loss due to periodontitis. It may help to recover about one millimeter of bone, but it is questionable if this is of significant therapeutic value.
  
  Alternatively, regular subgingival flushing with an anti-calculus composition can dissolve subgingival calculus (tartar) thus facilitating natural healing without surgery. This process is widely used for supragingival tartar via tartar-control toothpastes. Subgingival application of an anti-calculus composition requires a subgingival syringe or an oral irrigator.
  
  One such anti-calculus composition (Periogen) contains Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid and Sodium Fluoride.
  
  In the composition, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate (TKPP) is a cleaning agent designed to clear away bio-films in order to facilitate chemical access to calculus. Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) acts as the anti-calculus agent, activated by Sodium Fluoride (.04%), providing a chelating action on the structure of the calculus.
  
  Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid are product activators which assist in dissolving the composition in water for periodontal delivery via a subgingival syringe or oral irrigator with a periodontal tip.
QUESTION:
What is meant by periodontitis being site-specific? Is this true?
- ANSWER:
  Periodontal disease is cause by bacteria building around the gum line and below the gums. It usually occurs in the whole mouth, but there can be certain teeth that are more infected than other, and in that case, would be site specific
QUESTION:
ANY Parents that have Children diagnosed with Neutropenia and/or Periodontitis!?!?!?!?
My daughter(6 yrs old) has Severe Chronic Neutropenia (cyclic)…..here is a link to better understand: http://www.neutropenia.ca/about/index.html……she got sick for the first time at 9 months old and was finally diagnosed at 1yr old. She has been through so much you could not even begin to imagine….If it is one thing it is another….She has had gingivitis for years now due to her Neutropenia and now this past week we have come to find she may have Periodontitis. Please anyone that may empathize…..NO rude comments please thank you but NO thanks…..i deal enough with some of my husbands ignorant family that don’t know and what i believe is no to care to know…Thank you for your time….I just want to reach out to parents that truly understand…. I NEVER wish this on any child or being for that matter…I just wish i could just rid her of all this……My heart goes out to all you that have Neutropenia and or have a loved one diagnosed with this……
- ANSWER:
  My son was diagnosed with “Auto Immune Neutropenia” (that’s what the doctors call it) when he was 8 months old and got sick for the first time. He has gone through so much since then…..I can understand what you must be going through. He had to be hospitalized every time he got sick and it was traumatizing for all of us. He was prescribed neupogen shots every other day for few months but his doctor stopped that just to see how he does without it. He seems to be doing O.K as of now……he is now 23 months old.
  I am not aware of “periodontitis” and don’t know if it has anything to do with Neutropenia…..
  I pray for your daughter and hope she gets better soon.
QUESTION:
Can periodontist save patient’s loosen tooth caused by plague (gingivitis/periodontitis)?
Is gingivitis/periodontitis caused by plague forming on the tooth? What are the symptons and how soon these symptons started to appear on the tooth and how can one tell?
What can periodontist (gum specialist) do to save patients’ tooth caused by plague? Is it possible for periodonist to save patient’s loosen tooth? Any time frame? Can deep cleaning help to save patient’s loosen tooth? What can one do if the affected tooth is not strong?

Can anyone please help to answer the above doubts. Thank you very much. URGENT!
- ANSWER:
  Each question of yours needs tens of pages to answer. In general, Yes gingivitis and periodontitis are mainly caused by plaque accumulation. They can be treated mainly by removing plaque (scaling and root planning) and in severe cases you’re going to be given antibiotics. Yes, affected teeth can be saved, but this depends upon the severity of the condition and the type of periodontal disease itself. If your teeth have reached the point of no-return, you’re going to have to need implants or dentures. Anyway, these topics of dentistry are the ones that most interest me, so if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. Good Luck
QUESTION:
bleeding after periodontitis treatment?
I went to dentist for to get treatment for periodontitis, it including removing the calculus via sonication (?), however the night after the treatment, my gum started to bleed continuously, is this normal condition after the treatment? how i supposed to do, to stop the bleeding? thank you in advance
- ANSWER:
  Not too unusual. You need to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Use a wet gauze or wet (clean) paper towel. Put pressure on with your finger (or by biting if possible) and hold for 20-30 min. A wet tea bag would work too. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call the dentist. If it is gushing and you are unable to contact the dentist, go to the ER.
QUESTION:
Cures for receding gums/gingivitis/periodontitis?
Please, if you have any sure-fire ways of bringing back your receding gums to health, please let me know! Thank you.
- ANSWER:
  Receding gums are a sign of periodontitis. You lose bone around the teeth and the gingiva tends to follow it. Gingivitis is more of an inflammation and would cause the gums to swell a little. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper homecare. Periodontitis can not be reversed, however, it can be stopped. Regular professional cleanings and meticulous home care can help to stop the periodontitis/bone loss from becoming worse.
QUESTION:
Poll: I have early periodontitis and I’m only 18?
Is this common?
- ANSWER:
  It is more common than you think. It is caused by poor dental hygiene. But it can be caused by other health conditions. It usually starts with gingivitis. If you ignore that, it becomes periodontitis.