<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "periodontitis (gum disease)" (1) Causes and common problems of periodontitis (gum disease) What is periodontitis (pyorrhea)? Causes (mechanisms) of periodontitis (gum disease) Data on people with periodontal disease Common concerns about periodontal disease Periodontitis (pyorrhea) is a condition that is said to affect many people, even among younger generations. It is a disease that can easily reduce the quality of life due to unpleasant symptoms such as bleeding gums when brushing teeth and discomfort in the gums that is felt throughout the day. But why does periodontitis (pyorrhea) occur in the first place? And how does it differ from gingivitis? We will explain in detail with the supervision of a dentist. What is periodontitis (pyorrhea)? First, we will explain the mechanism of periodontitis (gum disease), its specific symptoms, and how it differs from other types of periodontal disease. Glossary In the first place, healthy gums are characterized by a gap of about 1 millimeter between the tooth and the gum. The gums are firm, not swollen, and have a bright pink color. However, if plaque *1 accumulates in the periodontal pockets, it can lead to the formation of tartar *2 and the proliferation of periodontal disease bacteria. When this leads to gingivitis *3, inflammation occurs in the gums, causing symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, and redness.As the condition progresses further, symptoms such as bleeding when brushing or chewing hard foods, bad breath, and loose teeth appear, which is generally called "periodontitis." At this stage, the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth (alveolar bone) also progresses. *1 Plaque: Plaque is not leftover food, but a mass of bacteria. 1 mg of plaque contains hundreds of millions of bacteria. It can be removed by brushing your teeth without applying excessive force. *2 Tartar: This is plaque that has accumulated on teeth and hardened like stone when it combines with calcium and phosphate in saliva. It adheres to the surface of the teeth and cannot be removed without using special tools at a dental clinic. *3 Gingivitis: When food particles and plaque accumulate between the teeth and gums, periodontal bacteria cause inflammation. The groove between the teeth and gums deepens, the gums become red and swollen, and they bleed easily even with slight stimulation such as brushing a toothbrush. What is the difference between periodontitis (pyorrhea) and periodontal disease? The term "periodontal disease" is a general term that includes periodontitis (pyorrhea), which is an advanced stage of gingivitis. In dental practice, periodontitis and gingivitis are almost always referred to collectively as "periodontal disease."Generally, in periodontitis, the alveolar bone that supports the teeth is destroyed by periodontal bacteria in the mouth. As it progresses, pus may come out when the gums are pressed, and the roots of the teeth may become visible and the teeth may become loose. It is also known to cause bad breath. Furthermore, if treatment is delayed, symptoms such as teeth falling out spontaneously may occur. What is "Silent Disease" or "Silent Killer"? Periodontal disease has long been called a "silent disease," a "silent killer," or a "silent assassin." This is because the symptoms progress without pain, and by the time you notice it, teeth may have fallen out or needed to be extracted, or it may even be a contributing factor to myocardial infarction. Causes (mechanisms) of periodontitis (gum disease) Periodontitis (pyorrhea) progresses in the following steps: ~Mild Food particles and tartar can get trapped in the gaps between teeth and gums, allowing periodontal bacteria to multiply. This can cause mild bleeding and swelling. Mild The pockets widen, and the gum line recedes. The inflammation progresses. moderate Periodontal bacteria begin to dissolve the bone that supports the teeth (alveolar bone). Pus may also come out of the gums. severe The tooth root also dissolves and shrinks, eventually causing it to fall out. Data on people with periodontal disease Next, we will explain the percentage of people suffering from periodontal disease, based on data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This data shows how many people in Japan suffer from periodontal disease. The percentage of people with unhealthy periodontal tissue is about 80% between the ages of 35 and 44, and increases proportionally with age thereafter, reaching about 90% for those 75 years and older. Regarding noticeable symptoms, younger people often become aware of periodontal disease through bleeding when brushing their teeth, while as they get older, more people become aware of it through more advanced symptoms such as "receding gums that expose the tooth roots" or "loose teeth." Common concerns about periodontal disease Finally, we will discuss some common concerns regarding periodontitis (gum disease). It's important to understand the causes of periodontitis and the age groups most susceptible to it beforehand. Can periodontitis (gum disease) be cured? Treatments for periodontitis (pyorrhea) exist at any stage. However, it is difficult to restore the alveolar bone once it has been completely destroyed, so it is important to notice the symptoms while they are still mild and take steps to prevent them from worsening. Can periodontitis (gum disease) and periodontal bacteria be transmitted from person to person? Saliva can transmit periodontal disease-causing bacteria. If a mother with periodontal disease feeds her child food from her mouth, it can cause the child to develop periodontal disease as well, so be careful. Does periodontitis (gum disease) smell bad? As periodontitis (gingivitis) progresses, bacteria multiply, causing an unpleasant odor. By treating the condition and restoring healthy gums, the bad odor will gradually improve. Does periodontitis (pyorrhea) cause pain? Initially, inflammation of the gums causes pain when chewing food. Eventually, discomfort and pain may occur even when doing nothing. Can teenagers and people in their 20s get periodontitis (gum disease)? Previously, periodontitis (pyorrhea) was considered a dental disease primarily affecting middle-aged and elderly people. However, due to changes in diet and lifestyle, more and more teenagers and young adults in their twenties are experiencing symptoms of periodontitis and visiting dental clinics. Is there a link between periodontal disease and alcohol? While there have been reports suggesting that alcohol consumption may affect the onset and progression of periodontal disease, moderate alcohol consumption is generally not a problem. Is it true that tea and periodontal disease go well together? The catechins in green tea have antibacterial properties. They also have antimicrobial effects against periodontal disease bacteria, so rinsing your mouth with green tea can help suppress the growth of these bacteria. Supervised by: Dr. Masato Kobayashi, Director of Sara Dental Clinic NogataGraduated from Niigata School of Life Dentistry, Nippon Dental University in 1998. Member of the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology, the Japanese Society of Gnathology and Occlusion, and the Japanese Society for Dental Aesthetics. After serving as director of clinics providing state-of-the-art dental treatment in Shinagawa and Minato wards, she opened Sara Dental Clinic Nogata. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.