Don’t Wait Until it Hurts

If you were diagnosed with periodontal disease, you are not alone. Many others have the same problem. Treatment is the first step in preventing tooth loss.

What is Periodontal Disease?

The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a sulcus. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less.

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss. The enlarged pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal diseases may eventually lead to tooth loss.

How would I know if I had periodontal disease?

It’s possible to have periodontal disease without apparent symptoms. That’s why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important.

Several warning signs can signal a problem. If you notice any of the following, see your dentist:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

What causes periodontal diseases?

The Mouth is filled with countless bacteria. Periodontal disease begins when certain bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and the surfaces lining the mouth) produce toxins and enzymes that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The resulting inflammation, which may be painless, can damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth.

Good oral hygiene- brushing twice a day and flossing or using another interdental cleaner once a day- helps reduce the plaque film. Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into rough porous deposits called calculus, or tartar. Tartar is not the main cause of periodontal diseases, but the pores in tartar hold bacteria and toxins, which are impossible to remove even with regular brushing. Once the hardened tartar forms, it can only be removed when teeth are cleaned at the dental office.

The periodontal-systemic disease interrelationships Tooth loss is not the only potential problem posed by periodontal diseases. Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal diseases and other health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy. The researchers are trying to determine if bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal diseases play a role in affecting these systemic diseases and conditions.

Are you at risk?

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Studies show that people who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal diseases. Tobacco users are much more likely than nonusers to develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. They also are more likely to have deeper pockets between their teeth and gums and greater loss of bone and tissue that support teeth. Periodontal treatment is also less successful in patients who continue to smoke.
• Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more sever. (Systemic diseases that can affect the body as a whole.)
• Many medications - such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs and oral contraceptives- can affect the gums. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva. A lack of saliva can result in a chronically dry mouth which can irritate the soft tissue. Update your medical history files at the dental office, to include all medications and any changes that occur in your health.
• Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked, crowded teeth, or fillings that have become defective may hold plaque in place and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
• Puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives change the body’s hormone levels. This can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to toxins and enzymes and can accelerate growth of some bacteria.
• Genetics may play a role. Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive, severe type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss or who have parents wearing dentures should pay particular attention to their gums.
• According to some studies, periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Research suggests that bacteria causing periodontal diseases are passed through saliva.

Types of Periodontal Diseases

There are many types of periodontal diseases and they can affect individuals of all ages from children to seniors.

• Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the 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 oral care at home
• Chronic Periodontitis is a form of periodontal disease that results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. Patients experience progressive loss of tissue attachment and bone. Chronic periodontitis is characterized by pocket formation and/precession of gum tissue and is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. 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.
• Aggressive Periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue attachment and destruction of bone. This disease may occur in localized or generalized patterns
• Periodontitis as a manifestation of Systemic Diseases. This form of peritonitis is associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Patients who have rare but specified blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal diseases.
• Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases are infections characterized by necrosis (death) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly associated with pain, bleeding, and foul odor. Contributing factors can include emotional stress, tobacco use and HIV infection.

Progress of Periodontal Diseases

Healthy gingival (gum tissue), periodontal ligament and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.

Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts irritate the gums, making them tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily.

Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor teeth in the bone. As the disease progresses, pockets form, which allow more plaque to collect below the gum line. Tooth roots are exposed and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.

In advanced periodontitis, the teeth lose more support as the disease continues to destroy the periodontal ligament and bone. Unless treated the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist.