Nearly half of the people aged 30 and above have periodontal disease, according to past Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research. Besides causing pain and discomfort, patients may suffer from bad breath, receding gums, and even tooth loss. But before answering, “How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease,” let’s define this oral condition.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Sometimes called gum disease, this condition starts with plaque invading your teeth, causing an infection that spreads to your gums to damage the tissue and bone supporting your tooth. This condition manifests in the following stages:
- Gingivitis: It’s characterized by red, puffy gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Gum disease is reversible at this stage with proper treatment.
- Mild Periodontal Disease: Bacteria have already penetrated the gums, causing them to recede.
- Moderate Periodontitis: Bacteria eat into the soft tissues, ligaments, and bones that support your teeth.
- Advanced Periodontitis: You experience severe fiber and bone loss, causing your teeth to fall out.
How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?
There’s no definite answer to the question, “How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease?” According to a 2003 study, only 61 out of 156 patients with periodontal disease lost their teeth within 12 years. In general, you stand a better chance of saving your teeth with early treatment. The longer the periodontal disease progresses, the more likely it is to cause irreversible damage to your gums and other tooth-supporting structures.
Treatment
It’s possible to save your teeth during the early stages of periodontal disease. But if the infection has already damaged your bone, your dentist will focus on preventing the disease from spreading.
Depending on the damage of the bacteria, treatment might involve:
- Dental cleaning
- Soft tissue lasers
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Antibiotic medication
- Bone and gum grafts
- Pocket reduction surgery
Prevention
Preserve your smile and save money on treatment with the following preventative measures:
- Brush twice daily, making sure to floss to remove plaque between the teeth.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and loosen plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
- Limit sugary drinks and foods that encourage plaque formation.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which expose you to gum disease and worsen the symptoms.
Schedule Professional Check-Ups
Still wondering how long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease? Don’t wait for the symptoms to seek treatment. Regular dental check-ups, even when not in pain, are necessary for early detection and successful treatment. Ready to invest in your smile? Contact LeCroy Dental for a dental appointment.