Periodontal Disease

The Silent Threat: Periodontal Disease, Kitchener, ON

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in the world, yet it often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. The word “periodontal” literally means “around the tooth,” referring to the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Unlike cavities, which usually cause localized pain, periodontal disease is often silent in its early stages. Many people don’t realize they have it until the supporting bone has already been damaged. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, changes in facial structure, and even systemic health problems.

That’s why routine dental check-ups and comprehensive periodontal screenings are critical. At MI Dental, we don’t just look at your teeth, we carefully examine your gums, bone, and supporting structures to catch this “hidden enemy” early, when it’s easiest to treat.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The root cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque lingers, hardens, and triggers a chain reaction:

Gingivitis – The Early Stage

• Plaque bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush.
• Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and good home care, as no bone damage has occurred yet.

Plaque Becomes Calculus (Tartar)

• Over time, plaque hardens into calculus—a rough, porous surface that traps even more bacteria.
• Calculus cannot be removed at home; it requires specialized instruments at a dental office.

The Immune Response

• Your body fights the bacterial invasion with inflammation.
• Over time, this chronic response causes gums to pull away from teeth, forming periodontal pockets.
• These pockets deepen, becoming reservoirs where bacteria thrive beyond the reach of your toothbrush.

Risk Factors That Accelerate Disease

While plaque is the direct cause, certain factors can worsen or speed up the process:

• Smoking/Tobacco Use: The #1 risk factor. Tobacco reduces blood flow, weakens gum healing, and alters immune response.
• Systemic Diseases: Diabetes significantly increases risk, especially if blood sugar is poorly controlled.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to aggressive gum disease due to inherited traits.
• Hormonal Changes: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive.
• Medications: Drugs that reduce saliva flow create dry mouth, allowing bacteria to multiply unchecked.

A Brief History of Gum Disease

Gum disease is as old as humanity itself:

• Ancient Evidence: Archaeologists have found Egyptian mummies and prehistoric skulls with clear signs of periodontal disease.
• Early Dentistry: Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described swollen gums and loose teeth, prescribing barley paste mixed with oil as a remedy.
• Modern Understanding: Only in the 20th century did microbiology reveal plaque bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response as the true culprits.

Today, periodontics is a recognized specialty focused entirely on saving gums and bone. Instead of simply extracting loose teeth, modern dentistry fights to preserve them.

Understanding the Advanced Stages – Periodontitis

When gingivitis is ignored, it progresses into periodontitis—a destructive stage that is not reversible without professional treatment.

Moderate Periodontitis

• Periodontal pockets deepen to 4–6 mm.
• X-rays reveal noticeable bone loss around roots.
• Symptoms may include persistent bad breath, a bad taste, or mild tenderness.

Severe/Advanced Periodontitis

• Pockets reach 6–10 mm or more.
• Extensive bone destruction leaves teeth loose, drifting, or shifting position.
• Pus may be present, and abscesses can develop.
• Pain occurs in later stages as infection and mobility worsen.

The End Result of No Intervention

Untreated periodontal disease follows a predictable course:

• Tooth Loss: Supporting bone erodes until teeth can no longer be saved.
• Facial Changes: Jawbone resorption leads to a sunken appearance around the mouth, prematurely aging the face.
• Systemic Health Risks: Gum infections aren’t confined to the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory chemicals travel into the bloodstream, where they have been linked to:
  • Poorer diabetes control
  • Higher risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes

Periodontal disease is no longer considered “just a dental problem”—it is a systemic health issue.

Fun Fact!

Did you know that in the 18th century, specialized “scrapers” offered professional tartar removal services? Long before modern periodontics, they recognized that removing hardened deposits was essential to stopping gum disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does bleeding when I brush always mean gum disease?
Not always—but it’s the most common early sign of gingivitis. Persistent bleeding for more than a week warrants a dental visit.

Q2: Can periodontitis be cured?
Bone loss cannot be reversed, but with professional treatment—scaling and root planing, possible surgery, and consistent home care—the disease can be stabilized.

Q3: What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

• Regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gum line.
• Deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) cleans below the gums, removing bacteria and calculus from periodontal pockets so gums can heal and reattach.

Q4: If I lose a tooth from gum disease, what are my options?
Dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can replace missing teeth. In cases of severe bone loss, grafting may be required before implants.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease may be a silent threat, but it is not unbeatable. With early detection, professional intervention, and strong home hygiene, it can be controlled and its progression halted.

At MI Dental, we take gum health seriously because we know it’s not just about saving teeth—it’s about protecting your overall health. Regular check-ups, thorough cleanings, and patient education are the foundation for keeping your smile (and your body) healthy for life.