Maintaining Your Periodontal Health
Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal disease and how is it prevented? (Also known as pyorrhea)
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque (bacteria) is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing, not smoking and regular professional cleanings will prevent most periodontal diseases.
Good oral hygiene is important…adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. Periodontal disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. After plaque remains on the teeth for a period of time, it becomes hard. Hardened plaque is called “calculus” or “tartar”. Calculus can only be removed with a professional cleaning. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent gum disease.
The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing “pockets” (spaces) to form. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and the bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. If left untreated, this may lead to tooth loss. There often are no symptoms. Periodontal disease is often a “quiet disease”.
What are possible contributing factors to gum disease?
- Smoking/Tobacco use – Tobacco users are more likely to get periodontal diseases and suffer from the more severe forms. Also, healing following therapy may be compromised. Smoking is responsible for half of all gum disease and smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as nonsmokers. For help in quitting, visit: www.upmc.edu/passavant or www.helpinghand.com.
- Diabetes – People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. Recently, research has emerged suggesting that the relationship goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. We know that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar in a diabetic, contributing to increased periods of time when your body functions with a high blood sugar. As a diabetic this puts you at increased risk for diabetic complications. In other words, controlling your gum disease may help you control your diabetes.
- Stress – Severe stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
- Clenching and grinding teeth – These habits can put excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.
- Certain medications such as steroids, immunosuppressants and calcium channel blockers.
- Poor nutrition
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Warning signs of periodontal disease:
- Gums that bleed easily (However, gums rarely bleed in smokers).
- Red, swollen or tender gums (This may not be apparent in smokers).
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, recession, spacing, longer looking teeth.
- Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste.
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures.
**It is important to note that like high blood pressure periodontal disease often exhibits NO symptoms and can only be detected through examination and diagnosis with a periodontal probe and current x-rays.
Stages of gum disease
Healthy gums – are firm, coral pink in color and do not bleed easily. No gum recession is present and teeth are held firmly in place with no damage to supporting bone structure.
Gingivitis – the mildest form of gum diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is quickly and easily reversible with professional cleaning and good home oral care.
Mild Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In the mild stage, periodontal diseases begin to destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
Moderate-Advanced Periodontitis: In this stage, periodontal diseases can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of these diseases includes extensive bone loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.
Oral Pathology: The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason should be examined. An oral cancer screening is done at every cleaning appointment in our office. Remember, your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease:
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