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If you have gum disease, the bacterial toxins in your mouth can break down the tissue and bone that support your teeth. As this happens, your teeth can become loose and eventually fall out, periodontal disease isn’t curable, but it can be treated to reduce infection and slow bone loss. Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your condition to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. At this point, the bacteria have only affected the gum tissue and may bleed when you brush your teeth. If gum disease is caught at this early stage, it is usually reversible with daily oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.

As gum disease progresses to the later stages, it may affect the underlying bone structure, causing the tooth root to separate from the jawbone. This creates pockets, which fill with bacteria, and are hard for your toothbrush to reach. The inflammatory response from the bacterial toxins in these pockets can break down the bone and tissue that support your teeth. This is a chronic process and can lead to tooth loss.

Many factors increase your chances of developing gum disease, including age, genetics, stress, certain health conditions and medications, and smoking. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can also make gum disease more likely. People with crooked teeth, damaged fillings, or poorly fitted dental bridges are also at higher risk for gum disease.

The type of bacteria that grow in your mouth can also contribute to the development of gum disease. Some types of oral bacteria (like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis) are more likely to cause periodontal disease than others. Other types of bacteria that are normally found in your mouth (like Streptococcus mutans and Bacillus species) don’t cause periodontal disease.

Inflammation associated with periodontitis can travel from the mouth to the rest of the body, causing systemic problems like heart disease and respiratory issues. Research has also shown a link between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus.

Several treatment methods can help manage and treat periodontal disease, depending on the severity of your case. Your dentist or periodontist may begin with a nonsurgical approach that includes scaling and root planing to remove infected tissue and tartar from beneath the gum line, as well as antibiotic therapy. They will reevaluate your condition at follow-up visits, and recommend appropriate treatments as needed. If you have lost bone and tissue, your dentist or periodontist can restore these areas with various surgical procedures, including the use of a membrane to cover exposed roots, gum grafts, or guided tissue regeneration. You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist or periodontist regularly for professional cleanings and exam, and avoiding tobacco and other risk factors.

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