Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the <a href="/facts/Periodontium/UF5qgopP">tissues surrounding the teeth</a>. In its early stage, called <a href="/facts/Gingivitis/YwqwTGEv">gingivitis</a>, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the <a href="/facts/Tooth/Wc6IqwVf">tooth</a>, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or <a href="/facts/Tooth_loss/UYGAWWdY">fall out</a>. <a href="/facts/Bad_breath/8RGDp13v">Halitosis (bad breath)</a> may also occur.
Periodontal disease typically arises from the development of plaque biofilm, which harbors harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. These bacteria infect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, leading to inflammation and, if left untreated, progressive damage to the teeth and gum tissue. Recent meta-analysis have shown that the composition of the <a href="/facts/Oral_microbiology/oL3z9UGo">oral microbiota</a> and its response to periodontal disease differ between <a href="/facts/Man/IMDBa3kl">men</a> and <a href="/facts/Woman/AfQPA3m4">women</a>. These differences are particularly notable in the advanced stages of periodontitis, suggesting that sex-specific factors may influence susceptibility and progression. Factors that increase the risk of disease include <a href="/facts/Smoking/byhnmD0X">smoking</a>, <a href="/facts/Diabetes/2xeHXbsI">diabetes</a>, <a href="/facts/HIV%2fAIDS/RqLIEMuJ">HIV/AIDS</a>, family history, high levels of <a href="/facts/Homocysteine/m4cgrRBG">homocysteine</a> in the blood and certain medications. Diagnosis is by inspecting the <a href="/facts/Gingiva/4JhxlckG">gum tissue</a> around the teeth both visually and with a <a href="/facts/Periodontal_probe/RpUrYL4f">probe</a> and <a href="/facts/Radiograph/ab1bvq3q">X-rays</a> looking for bone loss around the teeth.
Treatment involves good <a href="/facts/Oral_hygiene/MddqTjwo">oral hygiene</a> and regular professional <a href="/facts/Teeth_cleaning/ajunRAXU">teeth cleaning</a>. Recommended oral hygiene include daily <a href="/facts/Tooth_brushing/evpNGwvl">brushing</a> and <a href="/facts/Flossing/Xv2d9CjB">flossing</a>. In certain cases <a href="/facts/Antibiotics/sF1kIfxg">antibiotics</a> or <a href="/facts/Dental_surgery/7dqEhpxq">dental surgery</a> may be recommended. Clinical investigations demonstrate that quitting smoking and making dietary changes enhance periodontal health. Globally, 538 million people were estimated to be affected in 2015 and has been known to affect 10–15% of the population generally. 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. Males are affected more often than females.

Periodontal disease open-in-new

Periodontal disease