No, periodontal disease does not necessarily mean you will lose your teeth, especially when it is identified early and managed with appropriate professional care and ongoing maintenance. While periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, early intervention can significantly reduce this risk and help preserve your natural teeth.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a progressive condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It begins with gingivitis, the mildest form, which causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
If not managed effectively, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage that involves bone loss and damage to the connective tissue anchoring the teeth. At this stage, tooth loss becomes a real possibility, particularly without professional intervention.
According to the British Society of Periodontology, around 10% of the UK population suffer from severe periodontitis. Furthermore, studies suggest that advanced periodontal disease is responsible for around 35% of all adult tooth loss.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is most commonly caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed through brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. The presence of plaque and tartar irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and the early signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
Other risk factors can accelerate the progression of gum disease, including smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, genetic predisposition, certain medications, hormonal changes and stress. Neglecting oral hygiene, skipping dental visits and avoiding treatment when symptoms first appear also increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis.
Neglecting oral hygiene, skipping dental visits and avoiding treatment when symptoms appear increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease often develops silently, especially in its early stages. Common signs of gingivitis include red and swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis, where symptoms become more noticeable.
Look out for the following warning signs:
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when biting
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek professional assessment from a periodontist or a dentist with expertise in gum disease.
Can Periodontal Disease Be Treated?
Yes, periodontal disease can be treated, and in many cases, the damage can be stopped or slowed down significantly. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, treatment focuses on controlling infection and preventing further tissue damage.
Specialist care may include scaling and root planing, local antibiotic therapy and personalised oral hygiene instruction. In more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary to stabilise the condition.
At a specialist dental clinic like The Perio Centre, treatment is tailored to the severity of the disease and the individual needs of the patient. With proper care and maintenance, even patients with periodontitis can retain their natural teeth for many years.
Will I Lose All My Teeth If I Have Periodontitis?
No, periodontitis does not automatically mean you will lose all your teeth. Tooth loss occurs when the supporting structures around the teeth have deteriorated significantly, making the teeth unstable. However, timely and ongoing treatment can preserve many, if not all of your teeth.
With specialist periodontal care, including regular monitoring, professional cleaning and patient education, the progression of the disease can be effectively managed. Many patients with periodontitis continue to enjoy a healthy and functional smile for decades.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Loss From Gum Disease?
Prevention starts with excellent daily oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using interdental brushes or floss and visiting your dentist or hygienist regularly are essential steps.
In addition, quitting smoking, managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and reducing sugar intake all contribute to healthier gums. Regular check-ups with a periodontist can help detect problems early and provide specialist support when needed.
At The Perio Centre, we focus not only on treating active gum disease but also on preventing its recurrence. Our team works closely with each patient to create a personalised maintenance plan that supports long term gum and tooth health.
The Perio Centre focuses not only on treating gum disease, but also on preventing its recurrence.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and how well the patient responds to therapy. Early stage gingivitis may be resolved with one or two visits combined with improved home care. Here at The Perio Centre we help build personalised oral hygiene plans for all our patients to help them have healthy gums in the long term.
More advanced periodontitis can require several appointments over a number of months, followed by long term maintenance. Patients who commit to regular periodontal maintenance and follow their dentist’s recommendations typically achieve the best outcomes.
When Should I See A Periodontist?
If you have symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession or loose teeth, it is wise to consult a periodontist as soon as possible. Patients with a history of gum disease may also benefit from specialist care.
The Perio Centre offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for all forms of gum disease. Led by specialist Dr Simon Stern and supported by an experienced hygiene team, we are committed to helping patients preserve their natural teeth for life.
Periodontal disease is also associated with a number of systemic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and alzheimer’s – so we are not just helping you hold on to your teeth but actively improving your general health too!
Final Thoughts
Periodontal disease does not have to result in tooth loss. With early diagnosis, specialist care and ongoing maintenance, you can protect your teeth and enjoy long term oral health. Whether you are experiencing the first signs of gingivitis or dealing with advanced periodontitis, seeking professional help is the most important step you can take.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
