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Periodontal Care
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For people in their thirties and beyond, the threat of gum disease is a very serious
and potentially dangerous condition. Gum disease is particularly dangerous because
the progression of the disease is often painless, going undetected until it creates
serious problems. Although, genetics may play a small role in its development, doctors
agree that gum disease is most often related to how well people care for their teeth
and gums.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is a combination
of serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection
that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect
one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless
film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
Close
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be treated and reversed
if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen and puffy gums that
bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. If treatment
is not received, gingivitis could progress into periodontitis, an advanced and more
serious stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is not reversible. Gum
disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked
to heart attacks and strokes. Gingivitis is often caused by insufficient oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Brushing
twice a day, flossing daily, regular dental exams and cleanings are the best preventions
against gum disease.
Close
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease or inflammation of gum tissue which causes
bone loss resulting in tooth loss if untreated. With time, plaque can spread and
grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the
gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in
essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken
down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between
the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum
tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms.
As time progresses, the bacterial plaque will calcify into calculus (tartar) which
can cause the pockets to become deeper as plaque will accumulate on the calculus
deposits and harbor bacteria that causes the tissues to become inflamed and detach
from the tooth. As the tissue continue to detach and the pockets get deeper, the
bone will start to recede and the teeth will start to become mobile. Eventually,
teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. The disease process can be rapid
or slow, it is different from case to case. If addressed early, it can be maintained
with a higher chance of keeping the teeth. There are many forms of periodontitis.
The most common ones include the following :
 |
- Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are
otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and
bone destruction and familial aggregation.
- Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within
the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This
is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket
formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur
at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of
rapid progression can occur.
- Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases
often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory
disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
- Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized
by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions
are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection,
malnutrition and immunosuppression.
|
Close
Causes of Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious
infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can
affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial
plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors
like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking / Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses
such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health
problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk
for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may
be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of
periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible
to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times
more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic
test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early inventive
treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause in Women
A woman's health needs are unique. Though brushing and flossing daily, a healthy
diet, and regular exercise are important for oral health throughout life, there
are certain times in a woman's life when extra care is needed—times when you mature
and change such as puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health
needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, a woman's
body experiences hormonal changes that can affect many of the tissues in your body,
including the gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly
to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease.
Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven
times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as
hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know
is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates
that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including
periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines,
can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health
care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health,
you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from
clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work?
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues
of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are
destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes
develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key
component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to
use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately
16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed
with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections,
including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process
and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control
and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of
the gums.
Poor Nutrition and Obesity
As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's
immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the
condition of your gums.
Close
Periodontal Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
AAP treatment guidelines stress that periodontal health should be achieved in the
least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through
non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (a careful
cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal
pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins), followed by adjunctive
therapy such as local delivery antibiotics, as needed on a case by case basis.
Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients
do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However,
the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.
Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations. When it does not achieve improved
periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged
by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
If a patient needs scaling and root planning, this procedure is normally done in
two visits (one side at a time). If , after your comprehensive examination including
radiographs, the doctor feels that your condition is too advanced, we will refer
you to a periodontist (gum specialist) because you may need gum surgery.
 |
Periodontal Surgery
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal
surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your dentist determines that the
tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
After completing the scaling and root planning, patients will need to come in for
periodontal maintenance appointments. These maintenance cleanings should be every
3-4 months depending on your condition. Periodontal maintenance in conjunction with
good oral homecare is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing
the disease from progressing and/or becoming worse.
Close
|
|
For people in their thirties and beyond, the threat of gum disease is a very serious
and potentially dangerous condition. Gum disease is particularly dangerous because
the progression of the disease is often painless, going undetected until it creates
serious problems. Although, genetics may play a small role in its development, doctors
agree that gum disease is most often related to how well people care for their teeth
and gums.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is a combination
of serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection
that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect
one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless
film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
Close
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be treated and reversed
if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen and puffy gums that
bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. If treatment
is not received, gingivitis could progress into periodontitis, an advanced and more
serious stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is not reversible. Gum
disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked
to heart attacks and strokes. Gingivitis is often caused by insufficient oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Brushing
twice a day, flossing daily, regular dental exams and cleanings are the best preventions
against gum disease.
Close
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease or inflammation of gum tissue which causes
bone loss resulting in tooth loss if untreated. With time, plaque can spread and
grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the
gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in
essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken
down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between
the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum
tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms.
As time progresses, the bacterial plaque will calcify into calculus (tartar) which
can cause the pockets to become deeper as plaque will accumulate on the calculus
deposits and harbor bacteria that causes the tissues to become inflamed and detach
from the tooth. As the tissue continue to detach and the pockets get deeper, the
bone will start to recede and the teeth will start to become mobile. Eventually,
teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. The disease process can be rapid
or slow, it is different from case to case. If addressed early, it can be maintained
with a higher chance of keeping the teeth. There are many forms of periodontitis.
The most common ones include the following :
| |
- Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are
otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and
bone destruction and familial aggregation.
- Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within
the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This
is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket
formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur
at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of
rapid progression can occur.
- Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases
often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory
disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
- Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized
by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions
are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection,
malnutrition and immunosuppression.
|
Close
Causes of Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious
infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can
affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial
plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors
like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking / Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses
such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health
problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk
for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may
be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of
periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible
to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times
more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic
test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early inventive
treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause in Women
A woman's health needs are unique. Though brushing and flossing daily, a healthy
diet, and regular exercise are important for oral health throughout life, there
are certain times in a woman's life when extra care is needed—times when you mature
and change such as puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health
needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, a woman's
body experiences hormonal changes that can affect many of the tissues in your body,
including the gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly
to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease.
Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven
times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as
hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know
is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates
that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including
periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines,
can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health
care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health,
you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from
clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work?
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues
of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are
destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes
develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key
component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to
use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately
16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed
with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections,
including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process
and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control
and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of
the gums.
Poor Nutrition and Obesity
As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's
immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the
condition of your gums.
Close
Periodontal Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
AAP treatment guidelines stress that periodontal health should be achieved in the
least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through
non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (a careful
cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal
pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins), followed by adjunctive
therapy such as local delivery antibiotics, as needed on a case by case basis.
Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients
do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However,
the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.
Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations. When it does not achieve improved
periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged
by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
If a patient needs scaling and root planning, this procedure is normally done in
two visits (one side at a time). If , after your comprehensive examination including
radiographs, the doctor feels that your condition is too advanced, we will refer
you to a periodontist (gum specialist) because you may need gum surgery.
| |
Periodontal Surgery
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal
surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your dentist determines that the
tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
After completing the scaling and root planning, patients will need to come in for
periodontal maintenance appointments. These maintenance cleanings should be every
3-4 months depending on your condition. Periodontal maintenance in conjunction with
good oral homecare is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing
the disease from progressing and/or becoming worse.
Close
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