DENTAL CARE TIPS PERIODONTAL DISEASE Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common infections in the United States. In fact, more than 75% of American adults over age 35 have some form of periodontal disease. In a recent survey, eight out of ten Americans believed they did not have periodontal disease, but seven out of ten exhibited one or more symptoms. Periodontal disease is painless until in advanced stages. If left untreated, it can result in bad breath, red, swollen and bleeding gums and eventual tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Despite all these facts, it's preventable. This information serves as your guide to the cause, prevention and treatment. What is periodontal disease? The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth." It is a bacterial gum infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. The main cause is bacterial plaque -- a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Daily home oral care, including proper brushing and flossing, is a must to prevent plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance, called calculus, in less than two days. Calculus is so hard it can only be removed during a professional cleaning. If calculus develops below the gums onto the tooth root, it makes plaque removal more difficult, leaving you at increased risk for periodontal disease. Toxins (or poisons) produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing infection. These toxins also can destroy the supporting tissues around the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque and more infection. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth eventually become loose. If periodontal disease is not treated, the teeth may need to be removed. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. For example, your front teeth may not show signs of periodontal disease while a tooth in the back of your mouth may become loose due to severe disease progression. There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include: Gingivitis: This mildest form causes gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home oral care. Mild Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In the mild stage, it begins to destroy the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Moderate - Advanced Periodontitis: In the mid-stages, it can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of this disease includes extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.What other factors might contribute to periodontal diseases? Although plaque is the primary cause, other factors can affect the health of your gums. These include: Smoking/tobacco use: Tobacco users are more likely to get periodontal disease and suffer from the more severe forms. Also, healing following therapy may take more time. Pregnancy and puberty: Some hormonal changes can cause the gums to become red and tender and bleed easily. Any pre-existing periodontal disease can become more severe. Stress: Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease. Medications: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicines, can affect oral health. You should always inform your dental care professional of the medicines you are taking and any changes in your health history. Clenching or grinding your teeth: These habits can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. Diabetes: Periodontal disease can be more severe in uncontrolled diabetics. Poor nutrition: A diet low in important nutrients also can make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Systemic diseases: Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums. What are the most common signs of periodontal disease? * Bleeding gums during brushing * Red, swollen, or tender gums * Gums that have pulled away from the teeth * Persistent bad breath * Pus between the teeth and gums (leaving a bad taste) * Loose or separating teeth * A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite * A change in the fit of partial dentures.You may have periodontal disease and not have any of these symptoms. Most people don't experience pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see a dentist or periodontist for a complete periodontal evaluation. This disease affects many folks over the age of 35. We are well trained and qualified to perform a comprehensive periodontal examination and provide non-surgical treatment when applicable. During your exam a small measuring probe is gently placed between each tooth and gum in 6 locations to learn of your "pocket" depths. Depths of 4mm and more are precursors of disease. Current x-rays also are viewed to observe the health of the bone below your gums. If you don't know the state of your periodontal health, you should ask.What is the treatment for Periodontal Disease? Once your periodontal health has been evaluated, we'll work with you to determine the treatment options that are best to arrest your disease and bring you back to health. Treatment can vary widely, depending on how far the disease has progressed. If caught in the early stages, simple procedures are done to remove the plaque and calculus from below the gumline and eliminate the infection-causing bacteria. If the disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, further treatment might be necessary. Removing hard calculus deposits with ultrasonics, utilizing the laser to remove diseased gum tissues, while sterilizing the pockets have proven to be the most effective treatment of gum disease in our experience. Healing is better, faster and with less post-operative sensitivity. We have found the diode laser to be very effective in treating and improving most gum disease conditions. The diode laser is attracted to hemoglobin in the blood and melanin found in gum disease-causing bacteria. Passing the laser through the pocket removes diseased gum tissue (usually inflamed with increased blood (hemoglobin)) and vaporizes the pathogenic bacteria. Whatever the treatment may entail, the goal is to return you to good oral health and then help you maintain it. Benefits of periodontal treatment include fresh breath, a more youthful appearance, the ability to chew your food more easily and, most importantly, healthy gums that are free from infection.Supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) Once the disease has been arrested, patients are seen regularly for supportive periodontal treatment (SPT). This ongoing phase of treatment will allow us to assess your periodontal health and make sure your infection stays under control. During SPT your mouth is examined, new calculus and plaque are removed, the pockets are lased to vaporize the bacteria, and, if necessary, your teeth are polished and your bite is checked. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease, just like diabetes. Without careful ongoing treatment, disease can and often does recur. How can periodontal disease be prevented? To keep your teeth for a lifetime, you must remove the plaque from your teeth and gums every day by brushing and flossing and/or other oral hygiene aids. We will help you identify the specific tools that will help you achieve health. They can help you fine-tune your technique, so that your at-home efforts are optimally effective. return to top