Understanding and Controlling Periodontal (Gum) Disease
While you may think that some loss of teeth is inevitable with aging, it is actually possible for all of your teeth to last a lifetime. One of the ways you can achieve this goal is to avoid periodontal disease (“peri” – around; “odont” – tooth), which is caused by bacteria that attack the tissues around the teeth. Unfortunately, you may not even realize you have gum disease as the signs and symptoms are not always apparent.
Nearly all people who do not maintain good daily oral hygiene will develop gingivitis (gum inflammation). If left untreated, this bacterial gum infection can progress to periodontitis, which results in bone loss around your teeth. As bone is lost, gum tissues detach and form pockets where bacteria thrive, eventually leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
It’s important to understand that you can have periodontal disease with no obvious symptoms, especially if you are a smoker. Still, look for these warning signs:
- Bleeding gums: Any bleeding of the gums, even when brushing gently, should be considered a warning sign of gum disease.
- Bad breath (Halitosis): Plaque buildup in the spaces between teeth creates perfect conditions for odor-producing bacteria.
- Redness or swelling of the gums: Inflammation is usually the first visible sign.
- Receding gums: If your teeth look longer than they used to, your gum tissue may have receded, exposing tooth roots.
- Sensitivity: Exposed roots due to recession may become sensitive to hot or cold.
- Loose teeth: Bone loss can cause teeth to become loose or migrate.
Treatment Options
All periodontal therapy begins with evaluating and improving your oral hygiene techniques. This is followed by the mechanical removal of plaque and calcified deposits (tartar or calculus) from the root surfaces:
- Scaling and Root Planing (Debridement): A deep cleaning technique using hand and/or ultrasonic instruments to clean the root surfaces.
- Antimicrobials/Antibiotics: Locally applied products may be recommended to assist in healing and pocket-depth reduction.
- Periodontal Surgery: May be necessary to remove the deep pockets that form between inflamed gum tissue and teeth, or to address bone loss.
Periodontal Disease & Your Overall Health
Periodontal disease has been linked to more serious conditions, such as cardio-vascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and preterm births. This relationship is thought to be linked to two mechanisms:
- Gum disease increases the level of systemic (bodily) inflammation.
2. The same bacterial strains found in periodontal pockets have been found in blood vessel plaques of individuals with CVD.
Reducing periodontal inflammation may therefore help reduce systemic inflammation.
Preventive Strategies
The best defense against periodontal disease is a comprehensive approach:
- Daily Care: Brush and floss your teeth effectively every day.
- Regular Professional Care: Schedule checkups and professional cleanings every 3, 4, or 6 months. This allows dental professionals to reach areas your home care cannot.
- Lifestyle: Eating right, reducing stress, and quitting smoking will also help.
During checkups, we assess your gum tissue visually, examine attachment levels, and use X-rays to check the health of your tooth-supporting bone.