Patient Info
Hygiene/Periodontal Health
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is an infection of the gums and bone that hold teeth in place.
Periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. There is also mounting and strong evidence correlating oral –periodontal health to systemic health.
The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier gum disease is detected the easier it is to treat.
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque cause irritation of the tissues that support your teeth. The irritation can lead to chronic inflammation, bleeding and infection that can destroy your gum tissue and bone.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
..Gums that bleed or are red, puffy, swollen or sore
..Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
..Gums that start receding therefore making your teeth look longer than normal
..Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
..Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
..Spaces developing between teeth
..Loose or mobile teeth
These symptoms are part of your body’s response to a bacterial infection in the gum tissue and around the teeth, and they are serious.
Many people ignore the symptoms because they cannot see the infected areas. They perceive bleeding in their mouth to be normal. It is not normal and is very serious. It is very important if you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing to inform your dentist or hygienist.
How Is Peridontal Disease Diagnosed?
If you schedule regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect developing periodontal disease before the gums and bone supporting your teeth are irreversibly damaged. During your dental check up, the dentist or dental hygienist will examine your gums. They will use an instrument to measure the space around each tooth known as the sulcus. A healthy depth in this space called the sulcus is 3 MM or less. If deeper than 3 mm, there is disease. As the disease progresses, the bacteria release toxins that further destroy the bone that supports your teeth. X-rays will also be used to help diagnose periodontal disease.
Other Contributing Factors That Affect Oral Health
Smoking and Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked to many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health concerns. What you may not know is that tobacco users are also at increased risk for periodontal disease. 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.
Pregnancy and Menopause
During these particular times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive and, at times, react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may mean you're 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
Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer and numerous other health problems. Stress is also a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight infection including periodontal disease.
Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could increase the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause diabetes to be more difficult to control and infection to be more severe.
Poor Nutrition
A diet lacking in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and therefore make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Poor nutrition can adversely affect oral health.
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums.
Medications
Many medications have side effects that reduce saliva. A lack of saliva can result in your mouth being dryer and increasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
How Does Peridontal Disease Progress?
Even with active periodontal infection you may not have any visible signs at first; however, left untreated here is what could happen…
| Stages of periodontal disease: | |
|---|---|
| Healthy Mouth | Pink gum tissue |
| Gingivitis Mild to Moderate |
Bacteria and plaque build up under gumline Slight irritation of gums Slight redness and swelling of gums |
| Periodontal Disease |
Bacteria multiply causing greater inflammation
Bone loss around teeth |
| Advanced Periodontal Disease |
Bacteria grow more quickly within pockets Further breakdown of gum tissue Extensive bone loss around teeth Consistent blood on brushing or flossing Sensitive teeth and inflamed gum tissue Loosening and possible loss of teeth |
How To Prevent Periodontal Disease
Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. This is to remove plaque and bacteria that builds up on the inner and outer chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Daily you need to clean the surfaces between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is the best technique to clean between your teeth. If flossing is difficult, you can try floss aids or floss picks. Our office also recommends a water pik device to clean between your teeth especially if you have crowns and bridges in your mouth.
We also recommend an ADA accepted antimicrobial mouth rinse as part of your daily routine if you need help controlling plaque or gingivitis.
Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and an evaluation of the health of your gums and bone that supports your teeth.
Don't use tobacco products.
Treatment Recommendations For Periodontal Disease
If you are diagnosed with Periodontal Disease, treatment will be based on the severity of the disease. A special deep cleaning, called scaling and root planning, will be recommended. Plaque and toxins on the tooth and below the gum line will be removed to promote healing. This will usually take more than one appointment. We may use medications to help control the infection. If the disease is progressive, we may recommend a visit to a periodontist or recommend our home therapy using the Periodontal Protect System to control the disease.
Notes on PPT trays. (website for ppt)