Periodontal (Gum) Disease
For decades we have been telling our patients that periodontal
or gum disease is the leading
cause of tooth loss in adults. The scary part of this is that approximately 2/3
of all adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease.
Even though the initial stages of gum
disease, gingivitis,
have little or no symptoms, many adults ignore some of the more obvious ones. For
example, do you have: If so, you probably have gum disease. There are two basic types of gum disease:
Gingivitis and
Periodontitis. Periodontitis The word
periodontitis literally means inflammation around the tooth. The difference between
gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis is limited to the gums. In periodontitis
the infection has attacked the bone that supports the tooth. Periodontitis itself is
painless and most people who have it don’t know they have it. The infection
slowly dissolves the bone and the connective tissue that attaches the bone to the tooth.
Eventually the bone support around the tooth recedes far enough that the tooth becomes loose
and comes out. Periodontitis affects nearly 50% of the adult population.
Gingivitis Gingiva is the proper term for our gums. Gingivitis, the
most common form of gum disease, is an inflammation or swelling of the gums due to infection
caused by bacteria, the same bacteria whose acid waste causes cavities. When plaque, formed by colonies of this bacteria, form around and below the
gum line in sufficient numbers it causes an irritation which becomes an infection.
The symptoms of gingivitis include red swollen, tender gums which bleed easily.How does gum disease affect my dental health?
The biggest effect gum disease has on dental health is the potential loss
of teeth. It may have been common in your grandparent’s generation to have
dentures due to tooth loss, but that is no longer the case with modern dental treatment and
care. It can also be a precursor to
oral cancer if not treated.
Healthy teeth and gums.
Gingivitas - red, swollen gums.
However, recent studies have found an alarming link between periodontitis and other health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. It has been found that the bacteria that irritates the gums and eats away at the bone in periodontitis can enter the blood stream and cause infections in other parts of the body which can lead to these potentially fatal diseases
Can gum disease be treated?
The good news is that, with modern dental treatment and proper home care, gum disease can be treated. When properly diagnosed a personal treatment plan will be outlined for the patient. The plan will include special periodontal cleaning by our hygienist to get at the built up calculus deep below the gum line. More frequent periodontal cleanings may be required to reverse and control the disease. In particularly severe cases other treatments may be recommended including the referral to a dental specialist in periodontal diseases.
Special attention to patient home dental care will also be part of the treatment plan. The patient will be instructed on special home care which may include the use of a special mouthwash and an interdental brush to clean hard to reach places.
How can I avoid gum disease?
The best way to avoid the health risk of
gum disease is the same for maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. This
includes:
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Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, plus, if left untreated, could lead to other life-threatening diseases. But the good news is that it is largely preventable.
If you or a loved one has any of the warning signs of gum disease, call our office immediately. We’ll help you keep a happy, healthy smile that you can look forward to enjoying for a lifetime.