When you think of termites, you imagine millions of tiny, hidden invaders quietly eating away at the wood that holds a building together. By the time the damage is visible, the destruction is already advanced. In many respects, periodontal disease — the chronic infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth — behaves just like termites in your mouth.
Periodontal disease acts in many respects like termites. They silently invade the gum tissue, eventually leading to systemic invasion and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth gather in the form of sticky plaque on the surface of the teeth. If not removed, this plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), which provides a protective home for millions of bacterial colonies. Just like termites burrow into wood, these microbes settle around the gumline, releasing toxins and acids that directly attack the gums and bone that support the teeth.
The outward effects may be mild at first — redness, bleeding gums, or occasional bad breath. But below the surface, much like termites behind a wall, silent destruction is taking place. The gums detach, pockets form, and the bone that anchors the teeth begins to dissolve. Left unchecked, this leads to shaky teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Not all bacteria behave the same way. While some stay on the surface and eat away at the gum and bone, others penetrate deeper into the gum tissue itself. From there, they can slip into the bloodstream and travel to distant parts of the body. The body’s immune system, in trying to fight these “intruders,” may trigger inflammation and damage not only in the mouth, but also in remote sites such as the heart, brain, joints, and even during pregnancy.
In this way, periodontal bacteria act much like termites spreading their colonies into new areas, weakening structures far beyond the original entry point.
Just as one termite alone is no threat, a single bacterium cannot cause disease. It is when millions of them organize into colonies — dense bacterial communities — that they become overwhelming. This organized force releases toxins, resists cleaning, and outsmarts the body’s natural defenses.
Treatment for periodontal disease is similar to eradicating termites from a home — it requires both surface cleaning and deep intervention. Dentists and periodontists use scaling and root planing to remove plaque and calculus. In more severe cases, antibiotics in pill form, special antibacterial mouth rinses, and localized medications are prescribed to disrupt the bacterial colonies. Advanced therapies may include laser treatment or even surgical procedures to restore lost gum and bone.
Like termite prevention, the best defense is vigilance. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional dental cleanings prevent bacterial buildup before it becomes destructive. Early detection is crucial, as damage caused by periodontal disease, once advanced, cannot always be fully reversed.
Your mouth is the foundation of your overall health. Don’t let these “termites” silently undermine it and destroy your foundation.
- Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is the founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He is also a certified Fastbraces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or kmajor@csddentistry.com.
