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Periodontal Disease
Periodontal
disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in America. One
hundred million Americans may suffer from some form of the condition.
Prompt treatment can control the severity of the disease and save
the teeth.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, begins with the
accumulation of plaque at the gum line. Plaque is composed of
bacteria or "germs" and it is their products which can
irritate the gums causing swelling and redness. Often the gums
bleed when brushed. This is a condition known as gingivitis, the
earliest sign of the disease.
If the plaque is not removed through good brushing and flossing
techniques it may harden into a crust-like substance called tartar
or calculus. This substance accumulates below the gum line causing
the gums to pull away from the teeth and creating a "periodontal
pocket". This pocket accumulates more food particles and
bacteria. Eventually the supporting bone is infected, leading
to a loss of tooth support. Often the infection may spread into
the tooth roots and jawbone as well as between the teeth; a condition
known as periodontitis. Bad breath may develop or pus may be present.
Eventually, the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates and the
tooth may loosen and require removal.
Inadequate oral hygiene is the most common cause of periodontal
disease. This means that thorough brushing and flossing and, for
most people, professional cleaning several times a year is required.
Some people need more frequent cleanings.
Even those who take scrupulous care of their mouth are not immune
to this disease. Everyone is susceptible, but certain people are
more susceptible than others. Diabetics or those with blood disorders
appear to be at higher risk. Smoking also contributes to gum disease.
Malocclusion or "bad bite" can make the teeth more difficult
to clean and increase the chance that pockets and infection may
form. Clenching or grinding may damage the oral tissues and make
them more susceptible to disease.
Once periodontal disease has passed beyond its initial stages,
a variety of therapies are prescribed. A deep scaling and subgingival
curettage is employed to remove plaque and calculus from the surface
of the roots and the soft tissue which lie next to the teeth.
This allows the gums to shrink and reattach themselves to the
tooth.
Diseased tissue may also be removed surgically, via a number of
different procedures performed by the periodontist, who is a gum
specialist. Periodontal therapy has proven successful at preventing
tooth loss. To insure continued healthy gums, patients must follow
a daily program of brushing and flossing to prevent reoccurrence
of disease. Frequent checkups are recommended. Like high blood
pressure, periodontal disease is a silent disease. The symptoms
are often ignored due to their painlessness. Early detection and
treatment are essential if tooth loss is to be avoided. An examination
is simple and painless.
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Click here to see the
Periodontal Disease "Signs and Symptoms" chart.
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