Is periodontitis serious?

Yes -- Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has also been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pre-term low weight birth for expectant mothers. Periodontitis is the breakdown of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the immune system trying to fight off bacteria that surround the teeth. If the bacteria that are causing the problem are not removed, this problem can get worse and the teeth will need to be removed.

Periodontitis can be serious. If your dentist has said that you have periodontitis, this means that your gum disease has reached a stage in which the bacteria living in your mouth have invaded and infected the tissues around your teeth. The gum tissue has pulled away from your teeth, leaving behind spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets can easily become infected and inflamed, leading to serious infections, bone loss, and the loss of teeth.

Although the effects of periodontitis cannot be reversed, your dentist may be able to limit the amount of damage that the bacterial infection does to your teeth, bones, and gums.

Periodontal disease is serious. It is an infection that begins as gingivitis. As it worsens, it destroys the connective tissue and bone holding the teeth in place. As a result, it can affect both the appearance of your mouth/smile as well as the function -- your ability to chew your food. Ultimately, it may result in tooth loss. New research also indicates that periodontal disease may play a role in cardiovascular disease, although the exact way is not known at this time. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you should share this with your physician.