Which statement is true regarding periodontal disease?

The statement that periodontal disease is a primary cause of tooth loss after age 35 is accurate because it highlights the significant impact of periodontal conditions on oral health, particularly as individuals age. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, affects the supporting structures of the teeth and can lead to the gradual loss of bone and soft tissue. This breakdown of support causes teeth to become loose and can ultimately result in their extraction if the disease is not properly managed.

In adulthood, particularly after the age of 35, many individuals experience various levels of periodontal disease due to factors such as accumulation of plaque, poor oral hygiene, genetic predispositions, smoking, and systemic conditions like diabetes. This makes it one of the leading causes of tooth loss in this age group.

The other statements lack accuracy: while antibiotics may help in specific cases such as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), they are not a general treatment for all periodontal issues. Moreover, not all periodontal pockets can be detected radiographically, as some may be too shallow or not present enough bone loss to be visible in X-rays. Lastly, trauma and occlusal factors do not typically cause cleft or fibrous thickening of marginal gingivae in the same