If you have gingivitis and do not have the plaque or tartar removed from your teeth, the condition may get worse. This can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is inflammation of the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.
Periodontitis can lead to:
- gum abscesses (painful collections of pus) that keep coming back
- damage to the periodontal ligament - this is the tissue that connects the tooth to the socket
- damage to and loss of the alveolar bone - this is the bone in the jaw that contains the sockets of the teeth
- receding gums
- loose teeth
- loss of teeth
Necrotising periodontal disease
If you have necrotising periodontal disease (NPD) and you do not get it treated, it can cause more severe complications.
The infection can spread to all areas of your gums and the alveolar bone surrounding your teeth.
This can lead to:
- the gums between your teeth being destroyed
- large ulcers (open sores) leaving permanent holes in your gums
- loose and unstable teeth
If NPD is not properly treated the first time you have it, you're more likely to get it again.
This can cause constant bad breath (halitosis) and bleeding gums, as well as gradually receding gums.
In rare cases, NPD can lead to gangrene affecting the lips and cheeks. Gangrene is when tissue starts to die and waste away. If you develop gangrene, you may need to have the dead tissue removed.
NPD used to be called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG).
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
