When people think about dental problems that cause teeth loss, cavities are usually the first culprit that comes to mind. While tooth decay can certainly lead to tooth loss, there’s another, often more silent threat to your smile: periodontitis.

At CharlottePerio, we often see patients who are surprised to learn that their dental issues are not due to cavities, but rather gum disease. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss—and the sooner it’s detected and treated, the better your chances of saving your teeth.

This blog will explain what periodontitis is, why it causes loose teeth, how it differs from cavities, and what you can do to protect your smile.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. It usually begins as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), but when left untreated, it can progress into a more advanced condition that threatens your oral health.

Unlike cavities, which attack the tooth structure directly, periodontitis attacks the support system around your teeth—your gums, periodontal ligament, and jawbone.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis

You may have periodontitis if you notice:

• Loose or shifting teeth
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums, making teeth look longer
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Pain while chewing
• Changes in bite alignment

It’s important to note that periodontitis is often painless in its early stages. Many patients don’t realize they have it until their teeth start to feel loose.

Why Periodontitis Causes Loose Teeth

Healthy gums and jawbone hold your teeth firmly in place. When bacteria accumulate under the gumline, they trigger inflammation and infection. Over time, this:

1. Inflames gum tissue – The gums detach from teeth, forming deep pockets where bacteria thrive.
2. Erodes the bone – The jawbone begins to break down, weakening tooth support.
3. Loosens the teeth – Without strong gums and bone, teeth start shifting and may eventually fall out.

This process can happen gradually, which is why many patients ignore early warning signs until significant damage has occurred.

Periodontitis vs. Cavities: Key Differences

It’s easy to confuse cavities with gum disease, but they are very different problems:

• Cavities: Caused by bacteria eroding tooth enamel and dentin. Pain usually occurs as decay progresses.
• Periodontitis: Affects the gums and bone, not the tooth surface itself. Pain is often minimal until advanced stages.
• Tooth Loss: Cavities weaken teeth from the inside out, while periodontitis destabilizes them from the outside in.

Both conditions can lead to tooth loss, but periodontitis often goes unnoticed longer, making it more dangerous.

Risk Factors for Periodontitis

Some people are more prone to developing gum disease, including those who:

• Smoke or use tobacco products
• Have poor oral hygiene habits
• Suffer from diabetes or other systemic health conditions
• Have a family history of gum disease
• Experience high stress levels (which weaken the immune system)
• Neglect regular dental cleanings and checkups

Knowing your risk factors helps you take preventive action before periodontitis causes irreversible damage.

How Periodontitis Is Treated

At CharlottePerio, we specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease at every stage. Depending on severity, treatments may include:

13. Scaling and Root Planing: A deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline and smooths root surfaces.
    
14. Antibiotic Therapy: Medications may be used to control infection and reduce bacterial growth.
    
15. Surgical Treatments
    • Flap surgery to clean deeper pockets.
    • Bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration to restore lost bone.
    • Soft tissue grafts to repair receding gums.
      
16. Maintenance Care: Patients with periodontitis require more frequent dental visits to monitor gum health and prevent relapse.

How to Prevent Periodontitis

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here’s how to protect your gums and teeth:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Remove plaque between teeth with floss and proxy brushes.
• Visit your dentist or periodontist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco use.
• Eat a balanced diet to support gum and bone health.
• Manage health conditions like diabetes that can affect gum health.

Why Early Detection Matters

Once gum tissue and bone are lost, they can be tricky—sometimes impossible—to fully restore. That’s why early detection of gum disease is so important. Regular dental visits can help catch periodontitis in its early stages, when treatment is more effective and less invasive.

Final Thoughts

If you have loose teeth, don’t assume it’s just cavities. Periodontitis may be the real culprit—and it’s a condition that requires professional intervention. With timely care, you can stop the progression of gum disease, save your natural teeth, and protect your overall health.

At CharlottePerio, we provide expert periodontal care to help patients restore and maintain healthy gums. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage gum problems or advanced periodontitis, we’re here to guide you toward a healthier smile.

Experiencing loose teeth, bleeding gums, or bad breath? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your consultation today at CharlottePerio for expert periodontal care and long-term protection of your smile.