Gum Disease

Get detailed information and a Personal Risk assessment at the American Association or Periodontists web site at:
http://www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html# or www.perio.org

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

Several warning signs that can signal a problem:

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Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs! That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important.

What is Gum disease ?
Gum Disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss and affects three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes Gum disease ?
Bacterial plaque is a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If the plaque is not removed each day by thoroughly brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause a breakdown of the fibers that hold the gum tightly to the teeth creating periodontal pockets which fills with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses the pockets extend deeper and the bacteria move down the root until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. This breakdown does not repair itself and eventually the tooth will fall out or require extraction.

Are there others factors ?
Yes! The effects of aging like dry mouth, reduced dexterity, and poorer eyesight can affect the progression of periodontal disease. In addition genetics and lifestyle choices like smoking and spit tobacco will hasten periodontal breakdown. Systemic diseases like leukemia and AIDS and especially Diabetes reduce the body’s ability to ward off gum tissue pathology.

What does periodontal treatment involve ?

In the early stage, most treatment involves scaling and root planning (often called deep cleaning). This is designed to remove the deeper deposits of plaque and calculus along the root and into the periodontal pocket. Also, nutritional guidance and advice on effective home care techniques will be introduced to help you reduce bacterial growth and damage at home. In addition antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses may be recommended to supplement the effects of scaling and home care.

More advanced cases may require surgical intervention and treatment by a periodontal specialist called a Periodontist.