The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease you have. Your periodontist will check your bite, how loose your teeth are and how much your gums are pulling away from your teeth (receding). But if you’ve already lost bone around your teeth due to infection, the disease is too advanced to reverse. However, you can manage it with proper treatment and consistent, diligent oral hygiene.
As a dentist, I have encountered numerous cases of severe teeth rot and gum disease throughout my career. However, one particular case stands out as the worst I have ever seen.
If your tooth is loose, but still in its socket, just keep it in place until you see a dentist. Until then, it is important you keep the area clean as it is now a risk for potential infection. One theory is that the bacteria in gum disease that seeps into your bloodstream increases inflammatory markers, which leads to systemic inflammation.
The Case:
During a routine check-up, a patient came in complaining of extreme tooth pain and swelling in their gums. Upon examination, I was shocked to see that almost all of their teeth were severely decayed and infected. The gums were inflamed and receding, exposing the roots of the teeth.
It does this by creating lots of new little blood vessels to fight off the infection. It is these new blood vessels that make the gums look red and swollen. The bacteria attack the blood vessels, which then become fragile and bleed easily.
As you enter this stage of periodontal disease, bacteria has become more virulent. As mentioned previously, healthy gums have a probing depth of 1-3 mm. At the gingivitis stage, probing depths will be about 2-4 mm.
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t get access to. You know when your mom tells you to clean your room, and you think it’s clean, but then she goes in and finds areas that aren’t really clean? These bacteria can then collect on the heart to cause endocarditis—which is most likely after a root scaling and planing.
It can be a result of poor hygiene, but some people are more prone to this type of infection. Symptoms may include bad breath, loose teeth and bleeding, swollen gums. There are many treatments available, depending on the severity of disease. On the one hand, interdental cleaning before brushing removes gunk from between teeth, so that might make it easier for the fluoride in your toothpaste to get in there.
The Treatment:
I immediately knew that this patient needed urgent intervention to save their remaining teeth and prevent further damage. I recommended a combination of deep cleaning, root canals, and extractions to alleviate the pain and remove the infection.
The Outcome:
After several weeks of intensive treatment, the patient’s oral health significantly improved. While some teeth had to be extracted due to extensive damage, the remaining ones were salvaged through proper care and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What causes teeth rot and gum disease?
- How can I prevent teeth rot and gum disease?
- Are there any warning signs to look out for?
In conclusion, the worst case of teeth rot and gum disease I have ever seen serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene. It is essential to address any issues early on to prevent them from escalating into severe conditions that can have long-lasting consequences.
