Periodontal disease is a very common oral condition that impacts approximately 47% of all grown-ups in the US. One of the most serious symptoms of periodontal disease is the loss of teeth. You may be thinking how long individuals with periodontal disease keep their teeth. In this article, we will discuss developments in periodontal disease research, and how recent medicine has improved the diagnosis of individuals with periodontal disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease comes in several forms, but in most individuals, it begins as gingivitis, a circumstance where specific infection-causing bacteria leads to inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum redness
Gingivitis is completely reversible if identified early. However, gingivitis can worsen if ignored and left untreated, eventually becoming a periodontal disease.
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Bacteria that are responsible for causing gingivitis, can multiply into the space between your teeth and gums. These spaces are called periodontal pockets. The tissue-damaging bacteria can deepen these pockets, allocating more bacteria to multiply and lead to further damage. The multiplication of these specific types of bacteria is facilitated by an imbalance of the oral microbiome, also called oral dysbiosis. In periodontal disease the level of anaerobic pathogenic bacteria in gums elevates, these bacteria are;
- Treponema denticola
- Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Tannerella forsythia
- Other known as periodontal pathogens
Note: Deepened pocket depth and gum recession can cause damage to the bone that grips teeth in place.
How Long can I Keep my Teeth with Periodontal Disease?
By following an accurate good oral care regimen and maintaining it for your entire life. It can be the best option, and not all individuals with periodontal disease lose teeth!
What Research Says!
In a study published in 2003, researchers examined tooth loss over a 12-year among 156 individuals, finding that 61 people lost or had at least one tooth loss during the study period.
Outline of the research: 50% of people lost their teeth.
In another study published in 1978, of people with periodontal disease, half of the people (300) did not lose any teeth at all. The study revealed that:
- 76 people had lost 4-9 teeth
- 199 had lost 1-3 teeth
- 25 people lost 10-23 teeth
Out of 2139 teeth examined from the 600 individuals, 666 were lost.
Outline of the research: About 31% of teeth with periodontal disease were gone in a 22-year assessment period, with 50% of all individuals having no teeth lost.
According to another study, approximately a third of all individuals over the age of 65 have lost their 6 or more teeth. However, tooth loss is not cause gum disease. Tooth decay and cavities can also result in losing teeth.
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So will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
In brief, approximately 50% of all individuals with periodontal disease don’t lose any single teeth! So what’s constant in those individuals who maintain their teeth’s health even with periodontal disease?
Who is most likely to lose teeth due to periodontal disease?
- Frequent alcohol drinkers
- Diabetics
- Individuals with osteoporosis
- Individuals with poor oral hygiene
- Individuals over the age of 65
- Smokers
- Individuals with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease
All of these factors play a crucial role in increasing the risk of losing your teeth.
Can I cure periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an all-time condition that needs continuous maintenance. So, it cannot be cured due to everlasting bone loss. However, you can limit the degree of the disease by having the best oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome.
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Conclusion
While periodontal disease is a severe condition that can cause tooth loss, many individuals with this disease can keep their teeth with accurate care. Research shows that nearly half of individuals with periodontal disease don’t lose any teeth at all, particularly those who sustain good oral hygiene and follow a constant care routine.
The key to maintaining your teeth healthy, even with periodontal disease, is prompt diagnosis, usual dental check-ups, and good oral practices. While it isn’t possible to totally cure periodontal disease due to lasting bone loss, managing it through every day flossing, flossing, and qualified cleanings can slow its progression.
