What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (Gum) Disease is a “silent” disease. Most people do not know they have it, or how serious it is, until their teeth become loose and fall out. It is estimated that more than 75% of all adults have gum disease in various stages! Recent Dental/Medical research has shown a direct link between periodontal disease and general health. People with periodontal disease have an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetic complications, and serious problems with pregnancy.

What are the Signs?

• Do your gums bleed when you brush, floss or use a toothpick?
• Are your gums pulling away from your teeth making your teeth appear longer?
• Has there been a change in the way your teeth come together when you bite or chew on food?
• Are your teeth becoming loose?
• Do you have bad breath?

If any of these statements are true, then you may have a problem with your gums. You may need more than just a routine cleaning of your teeth to get your gums healthy again. A thorough evaluation of your gums will help determine if there is any bone loss and suggest appropriate treatment to prevent the progression of disease.

What are the Stages?

1. Beginning -- Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. Ineffective oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar (light yellow substance coating the teeth) that begins to irritate the gums. This irritation leads to red and puffy appearance of the gums and bleeding upon brushing.

There is no bone loss, yet. During this stage, cure is possible by appropriate gum treatment followed by diligent home care.

2. Advanced -- Periodontitis

After several years of neglect the gums start to shrink away from this irritation exposing the root portion of the teeth. The lower front teeth are particularly at risk as the bone is thinner in this area

With Periodontitis, the plaque and calculus spreads down the root infecting the bone and the ligament holding the tooth into the jaw. This is a more serious stage of gum disease, since the infection has begun to destroy the bone around the tooth.

As the plaque and tartar continues the progress down the root unhindered, the gums and bone recede even further; the teeth become loose and eventually are lost.

How can I avoid this?

If not treated, periodontitis will slowly and painlessly destroy the bone that supports the tooth. The treatment of periodontitis involves removing the plaque and calculus (tartar) that has formed under the gum - known as scaling, followed by smoothing the root surfaces - also known as root planing.

All patients that undergo periodontal treatment need to have their teeth cleaned and their gums checked on a regular basis in order to prevent further periodontal problems. Periodontal disease is a chronic problem. Without ongoing treatment, the infection and disease will recur, and each time it does, more bone can be lost, until eventually the teeth will need to be removed.

How often do I need to have my teeth cleaned?

As with routine dental examinations, the frequency of gum therapy treatments will be determined based on individual need. Generally, healthy children and adults should have their teeth cleaned at least once every 6 months. If you are at risk of periodontal disease because of

• age,
• tobacco use,
• personal oral hygiene practices, or
• medical conditions such as diabetes,