Periodontal disease is a common condition that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, leading to the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth. While periodontal disease often affects multiple teeth, it is possible for the gum of only one tooth to be affected.
If left untreated, it can spread to the bones surrounding the gums, making it painful to chew. In the worst cases, teeth may become loose or need to be removed. Yes, in most cases, you can prevent gum disease with consistent and proper oral hygiene. Some people are more prone to gum disease due to genetics or other health conditions.
Periodontal disease can indeed impact the gum of only one tooth, especially if there are specific factors at play. For example, if there is an irregular or misaligned tooth that is difficult to clean properly, it may be more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, trauma to a single tooth can also lead to localized gum issues.
It is important to address periodontal disease promptly, even if it is affecting just one tooth. If left untreated, the condition can progress and lead to further damage to the gums and surrounding bone. In severe cases, it can even result in tooth loss.
How to treat periodontal disease affecting one tooth
Referral to a dentist for professional cleaning and scheduled follow-up to monitor the progression of the disease is also recommended [2][6][16]. Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health. It’s a bacterial infection that starts by inflaming the soft tissues around your teeth.
This can be due to gum recession, when the gums pull up and away from the teeth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Brushing gets rid of plaque on the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached. PRP and PRF speed healing and reduce pain after gum surgery. Your doctor gets PRF and PRP by spinning a small amount of your blood through a machine called a centrifuge.
If you suspect that you have periodontal disease affecting one tooth, it is crucial to see a dentist for a proper evaluation. Treatment may involve deep cleaning of the affected area, known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line.
The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gumline. When you forget to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash, a sticky film of bacteria and food called plaque builds up around your teeth. The gunk releases acids that attack your teeth’s outer shell, called enamel, and cause decay. After 72 hours, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms along the gumline and makes it hard to clean your teeth and gums completely. Over time, this buildup irritates and inflames your gums, causing gingivitis. A person may experience swollen gums around one specific tooth.
In some cases, antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwashes may be prescribed to help control the infection. It is also important to improve oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, to prevent further progression of the disease.
Bacteremia and systemic inflammation typical of CP are relevant factors leading to the onset of endothelial lesions, but also to the potentiation of inflammatory processes in the vascular wall (Leira et al., 2019b). Vascular inflammation is, in turn, modulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, both in CP and in CVDs. It has even shown that a decrease in systemic inflammatory biomarkers secondary to periodontal treatment leads to beneficial features contributing to the reduction of cardiovascular risk (Preshaw et al., 2020). Most often, early stages are not recognized as they are asymptomatic inflammatory responses in the oral cavity. Often, the first reported symptom of periodontal diseases is bleeding during brushing or flossing. Another symptom that may be noted by the patient is halitosis.
Bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless membrane that develops over the surface of teeth, is the most common cause of periodontal disease. One study found that females who develop periodontal disease after menopause may be more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly if they have a history of smoking. One study of people with chronic coronary artery disease, lasting 3.7 years, found that for every five teeth lost, there was a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular death, a 16% higher risk of all-cause death, and a 14% higher risk of stroke. Treatment aims to clean out bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and prevent further destruction of bone and tissue.
Preventing periodontal disease in the future
To prevent periodontal disease from affecting your gums in the future, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding tobacco products and consuming a healthy diet can also help keep your gums healthy.
