Disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth (periodontium)
Medical condition
Periodontal disease
Other names
Gum disease, pyorrhea, periodontitis
Radiograph showing bone loss between the two roots of a tooth (black region). The spongy bone has receded due to infection under tooth, reducing the bony support for the tooth.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth.[5] In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed.[5] It is considered the main cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide.[7][8] In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out.[5]Halitosis (bad breath) may also occur.[1]
Periodontal disease is generally due to bacteria in the mouth infecting the tissue around the teeth.[5] Factors that increase the risk of disease include smoking,[4]diabetes, HIV/AIDS, family history, high levels of homocysteine in the blood and certain medications.[1] Diagnosis is by inspecting the gum tissue around the teeth both visually and with a probe and X-rays looking for bone loss around the teeth.[1][9]
Treatment involves good oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning.[5] Recommended oral hygiene include daily brushing and flossing.[5] In certain cases antibiotics or dental surgery may be recommended.[10] Clinical investigations demonstrate that quitting smoking and making dietary changes enhance periodontal health.[11][12] Globally, 538 million people were estimated to be affected in 2015 and has been known to affect 10–15% of the population generally.[7][8][6] In the United States, nearly half of those over the age of 30 are affected to some degree and about 70% of those over 65 have the condition.[5] Males are affected more often than females.[5]
^ abcdefgh"Gum Disease". National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. February 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
^Page RC, Schroeder HE (1976). "Pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease. A summary of current work". Laboratory Investigation. 34 (3): 235–49. PMID765622.
^ abBaelum V, Lopez R (August 2004). "Periodontal epidemiology: towards social science or molecular biology?". Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 32 (4): 239–49. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0528.2004.00159.x. PMID15239775.
^Sáenz-Ravello G, Matamala L, dos Santos NC, Cisternas P, Gamonal J, Fernandez A, Bello-Escamilla N, Hernandez M, Baeza M (1 June 2022). "Healthy Dietary Patterns on Clinical Periodontal Parameters: A GRADE Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-analysis". Current Oral Health Reports. 9 (2): 32–55. doi:10.1007/s40496-022-00307-y. ISSN2196-3002. S2CID246752560.