Gum Disease

Protect your teeth from gum disease with our modern advancements.

Did you know you could have periodontal disease and not realize it? Periodontal disease is the primary cause of teeth loss in people older than 35. However, if caught in its early stages, this serious disease can be reversed with proper care.

The facts about periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease attacks the gums, bone and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Gum disease is caused by plaque mixing with sugars and starches in your diet to form acids and other by-products that irritate the gums. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. If plaque is left to harden, the tartar that forms around the necks of the teeth can destroy the tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth. The gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and small pockets may form between the teeth and gums. Over time, the pockets can become filled with more plaque and as the pockets deepen, it becomes impossible for you to clean the plaque out. Eventually, the bone structure supporting the teeth can be destroyed.

Periodontal disease risk factors

• Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.
• Hormonal changes in girls and women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease.
• Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
• Medications. Some drugs, such as antidepressants, some heart medicines, oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs and steroids can affect oral health because some of these medications lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
• Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments also can affect gum health.
• Genetic susceptibility. Some people simply are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.

Other Causes of Periodontal Disease

• Physical and chemical irritants, such as impacted food, alcohol and the improper use of dental floss or toothpicks may irritate gum tissue.
• Abnormal oral conditions or habits- badly aligned teeth, poorly fitting bridges or partial dentures, defective fillings and harmful habits such as grinding the teeth and chewing ice can cause problems.
• Unbalanced diet- evidence shows a link between nutritional deficiency and the body's ability to fight off infection.
• Pregnancy- due to hormone level fluctuations, a temporary condition referred to as "pregnancy gingivitis" may occur.

Signs of periodontal disease

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
• Red, swollen or tender gums.
• Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth.
• Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger.
• Pain when chewing.
• Tartar buildup.
• Teeth that seem loose or that change position.
• Changes in your bite.
• Changes in the way your partial dentures fit.
• Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold.

Diagnosis

A thorough oral examination and X-rays are necessary for diagnosing periodontal disease. During routine in-office exams and teeth cleanings twice a year, we may use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between the tooth and the gum tissue. The pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and X-rays help us determine the precise location, extent and severity of gum disease.

Treatment

The type of treatment employed in fighting periodontal disease is dependant upon how advanced your particular case is. Individualized treatment plans may include any of the following:

• More frequent cleaning. Bacteria at the base of the pocket could take up to three months to colonize into numbers that would be able to destroy bone. Frequent cleanings can prevent this buildup.
• Scaling and root planning. Scaling is removing the tartar deposits from your teeth. Root planning smoothes the root surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth.
• Curettage. This removes the soft tissue that lines the periodontal pocket and assists in healing the gum tissue.
• Gingivectomy. This surgically removes the periodontal pocket to allow easier access for cleaning.
• Flap surgery. This allows us to gain access to the tooth’s root so we can remove tartar, plaque and diseased tissue. The gum then is secured back into place.

Prevention

We all are different, and our ability to resist diseases varies from person to person. Some patients are more prone than others to periodontal disease. But it is important to remember this: you don't have to lose your teeth to gum disease. Today's state-of-the-art treatment procedures can save most teeth.

Good periodontal health starts with you. Adopt these habits into your daily routine for optimum results:

• Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, being careful to avoid sticky sweets and junk food.
• Examine your mouth routinely for any early signs of gum disease or other oral changes.
• Visit us at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and oral examination