Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases (also known as gum diseases) are infections of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. These infections are caused by bacteria that are found in plaque. These bacteria initially cause irritation of the tissue that support your teeth, which can lead to chronic inflammation, bleeding, and infection that can destroy your gum and bone tissue. Any plaque that is not completely removed may harden into tartar or calculus. Typically, the presence of tartar allows more plaque to form and makes it more difficult to remove plaque that can thrive on, in, or near the tartar. Tartar can only be removed by having your teeth cleaned at the dental office. Furthermore, plaque is constantly forming, even when you sleep, so regular visits to the dentist are necessary to remove plaque and calculus in hard to remove places.

Periodontal disease starts out as gingivitis, in which the affected gum areas become increasingly red. These areas may also appear swollen and bleed easily, especially when flossing or brushing. However, with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, the condition is reversible. If left untreated, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the gums, bones, and other structures that support the teeth can be irreversibly damaged. This condition can lead to tooth loss. Even at this more advanced stage, treatment can help, although at even more advanced stages, the disease may require more complex treatment to prevent tooth lose. The worst-case scenario is that teeth become loose and need to be removed by the dentist. The treatment of periodontitis often depends on how far the condition has progressed and how well your body responds to therapy over time. If scaling and root planing do not work, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and make teeth easier to clean. In order to rebuild or reshape bone destroyed by periodontal disease, bone surgery, including bone grafts, may be used. Stabilizing loose teeth and aiding the regeneration of tissue during healing can be accomplished by using splints, bite guards, or other appliances. A protective dressing may be applied over teeth and gums after surgery, and a special mouth rinse may be recommended or prescribed, along with an antibiotic and mild pain reliever.

In order to detect periodontal problems, the dentist will examine your gums using a periodontal probe to gently measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Between the tooth and gum, at the very edge of the gum line, healthy gum tissue forms a shallow, v-shaped groove known as a sulcus. Normally, the sulcus should only be three millimeters deep or less. If a deeper pocket is present, periodontal disease may be occurring. This deeper pocket will bleed, collect more plaque bacteria, and is difficult to keep clean. To evaluate the condition of bone supporting the teeth or to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination, dental X-rays may also be taken. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may provide treatment or you may be referred to a periodontist. Some of the tell-tale signs present during the course of periodontal disease include: gums that bleed easily, red, swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed, persistent bad breath or bad taste, permanent teeth that are loose, separating or changing position, any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, any changes in the fit of partial dentures, or exposed tooth roots. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Periodontal disease can be prevented by good daily oral hygiene at home, which includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner to help prevent tartar from forming. Make sure the dental products you use display the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, a sign that a product has met the ADA's criteria for safety and effectiveness. Eating a balanced diet for good general health and limiting snacks can also help prevent the onset of periodontal disease. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent periodontal diseases. Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDs can lower the body's resistance to infection, placing an individual at greater risk for more severe forms of periodontal disease. Tobacco use can also have a detrimental effect on the health of your gums. Many medications, such as steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, and oral contraceptives, can affect the gums. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva, which can result in a chronically dry mouth, which can irritate the soft tissues. Fillings that have become defective, crooked, crowded teeth, or bridges that no longer fit properly may hold plaque in place and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives change the body's hormone levels, which can result in more sensitive gum tissue and can accelerate growth of some bacteria. Some patients may be genetically predisposed to a more aggressive, severe type of periodontitis. Furthermore, the bacteria causing periodontal diseases are passed through saliva. So don't wait until it hurts- if you're experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, call your dentist today.