Periodontitis & Gingivitis

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. In fact, according to the FDA's Consumer Magazine, it is estimated that 75 percent of American adults, over age 35, currently have some form of the disease.

Known by dental professionals as periodontal diseases, they range from inflammation to serious infections that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, left untreated, gum disease can result in significant tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.  It is characterized by gums that bleed easily.  Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth that can result in tooth loss.

Since periodontitis is a progressive, destructive condition that can affect many or all of the teeth, preventing or controlling periodontal disease is extremely important.

Causes of Gum Disease

A major cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky colorless film that is constantly forming on teeth.  Other factors that may contribute to periodontal disease include: smoking/tobacco use, genetics, pregnancy, puberty and diabetes.

Course and prognosis

If the bacterial plaque is not removed regularly, gingivitis may occur and progress to periodontitis and, eventually, to loosening and loss of the affected teeth.

When periodontal disease has progressed to involve the surrounding bone, this can be seen on X-rays as a loss of alveolar bone (shown below). The loss of alveolar bone provides dentists with an indication of the severity of the disease.

Fortunately, the disease process can be halted or even reversed by effective removal of the plaque and, if necessary, eradication of the gingival pockets. Tooth loss can be prevented if treatment is given before a substantial portion of the alveolar bone has been lost.

People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, inflammation of the gums.  Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis if left untreated. 

Oraqix does not prevent gum disease or periodontitis.

References:
Fedi, Peter F., Arthur R. Vernino, and John L. Gray. The Periodontic Syllabus. 4th ed. Baltimore: Lippincot, Williams & Wilkins, 2000. 31-40.
Lewis, Carol. "Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth." FDA Consumer Magazine. May-June 2002. Food and Drug Administration. 18 July 2005 http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/302_gums.html. 
"Periodontal (Gum) Disease," American Academy of Periodontology.  http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html.