Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal (gum) disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting three out of four people over the age of 35. In fact, more than half of all adults over age 18 already have periodontal disease in its early stages. This inflammatory disease attacks the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease, occurring when plaque accumulates on the teeth near the gums. The gums become inflamed, with redness and swelling around one or more teeth. Often, the gums will bleed easily. If detected and treated at this stage, the gingival tissues will return to normal.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, also known as pyorrhea. As plaque hardens into "calculus," it extends from the gum line down along the tooth root. Gradually, the gums detach from the tooth and form pockets. These periodontal pockets create room for even more bacterial activity. In time, bone supporting the tooth is destroyed, resulting in tooth loss.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Because you cannot see the bone destruction going on beneath the gum tissue, you may not realize you have this disease until irreversible damage is done. Gum tenderness, bleeding, swelling or inflammation, bad breath, loose permanent teeth or a change in the fit of your bite all can be symptoms of periodontal disease.

Your dentist can examine your gums to see if you have any periodontal problems. She may use a periodontal probe to look for pockets between your gums and teeth. This devise will also measure the depth of the pockets. X-rays can determine whether any bone destruction has occurred.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria which continually forms on teeth, causes periodontal disease. There are at least 30 types of bacteria capable of producing

periodontal diseases. The bacteria creates toxins (poisons) that irritate the gums and loosen the attachment of gum tissues to the teeth.

Local irritants, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or habbitually clenching the teeth, can also contribute to periodontal disease. Additional factors include nutrition, certain medications, and high levels of stress.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Treatment of periodontal disease depends on how far the disease has progressed. In the early stages, the dentist map simply remove plaque, calculus, and the inflamed tissues from under the gums. A deep cleaning procedure removes calculus deposits on the teeth and root surfaces are polished to promote healing and reattachment of gum tissue. If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, curettage may also be used. Curettage removes soft tissue found in the pockets and helps the gums to heal.

When periodontitis is more advanced, gum surgery may be needed to remove the periodontal pockets. Although gum and bone tissue that have been destroyed by advanced periodontitis do not grow back, special techniques are available to replace or rebuild some of these supporting structures.

Treatment will include more frequent visits to the dentist to remove bacterial growth from the teeth, gum tissue, and root areas. These procedures are usually done under a local anesthetic.

How Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

Good oral hygiene is the only prevention for periodontal disease. In accord with your dentist's instructions, a thorough program of brushing, flossing, good nutrition, and regular dental checkups can help you avoid periodontal disease.

Gum Disease and Heart Attacks?

Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease, but until recently no plausible cause had been suggested. Now studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the bloodstream, there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illnesses.

People with periodontal disease (over one half the adult population) have an infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums, Also, it is a path for these bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

A recent study describes the association between heart disease and gum disease to be as least as strong as the linkage of heart disease to cholesterol, body weight, or smoking.

What Other Health Concerns Are Related To Gum Disease?

Bacteria in plaque have also been linked to:

*Inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels that is known to lead to constriction in the arteries.

*Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.

*Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases.

*A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.

*A higher risk of delivering premature, low birth weight infants.

*Tooth loss.

Evidence is mounting relating gum disease to a variety of health concerns, some that are life threatening. By keeping regular recare appointments with your dental team, you help increase your chances for a long and healthy life.