Chronic periodontitis:
What are the consequences if care is not taken?
The periodontitis and its symptoms can go relatively unnoticed until they become more visible. Gum retraction around a tooth, pain when chewing or a dental abscess are often the triggers that prompt a visit to the dentist.
Periodontal treatment is essential to stabilize the disease and prevent further damage.
But what are the consequences of chronic periodontitis if it goes untreated?
Studio Paro in Lyon 3ème informs you.
What are the main consequences of adult chronic periodontitis on the dentition?
Periodontitis is considered chronic when it evolves slowly over the years, in contrast to aggressive periodontitis, which can occur following an emotional shock and whose onset and evolution will be rapid.
Severe chronic periodontitis has aesthetic consequences on the smile when teeth loosen, revealing the roots, but its repercussions on health are even more serious.
In fact, this infectious oral disease attacks the periodontium, i.e. the anchoring system of the teeth in the jaw. The gums are attacked, as are the alveolar bone and the ligament that holds the tooth in the bone.
The result? Teeth spacing out, shifting… and eventually shifting and falling out when the anchorage is no longer sufficient. In the case of slow-growing periodontitis, this usually happens after several decades, but you shouldn’t underestimate the problem or resign yourself to it: appropriate periodontal care can stop the infection and strengthen the teeth’s hold in the jaw. So, even if your teeth move, it’s possible to save them!
You’ll keep your own teeth and avoid having to extract teeth and replace them with expensive implant-supported crowns.
Little-known consequences for general health
But these are not the only consequences of the disease: the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can pass into the bloodstream, releasing toxic substances that are deposited on the main pathological sites of the vascular tree. This means that the disease can lead to cardiovascular disease, as well as aggravating pre-existing pathology. There is also a proven link between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes.
Similarly, several studies have shown that the bacteria present in periodontitis patients are the same as those found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. These bacteria are present at an embryonic level and can proliferate.
Finally, pregnant women are at risk of premature delivery if they suffer from periodontitis.
These health consequences are little-known, because we tend to think that dental problems only affect the teeth. However, the seriousness of the problems this pathology can cause deserves to be known, so that sufferers can react as soon as possible.
In all cases, whatever the stage of the disease, regular treatment and follow-up are essential.
I have periodontitis.
Is there a risk for my children?
There are many reasons why periodontal disease can develop. The genetic factor is one of them: we often find that people from the same family suffer from periodontitis. Research has also shown that there are specific markers that make a person genetically predisposed to developing the disease.
But don’t panic! Even if you have genetic periodontitis, it doesn’t mean your children will develop the disease. With the right care, they can maintain good oral health throughout their lives.
For better prevention, you can ask Studio Paro to perform a genetic test (a simple smear inside your cheek) to look for the presence of the genetic marker Interleukin 1. In this way, you can adapt your offspring’s oral care accordingly.
Read also: the consequences of receding teeth
The Studio Paro team is on hand to answer your questions throughout the treatment program and your follow-up, and to advise you on how to make your treatment a success.