Periodontal Disease

• Periodontal Disease
• The Mouth-Body Connection
• Preventing Gum Disease
• Oral Hygiene
• When to See a Periodontist
• Women and Periodontal Health

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they may become swollen and red or even recede. The gum attachment around the teeth and periodontal ligament begin to break down and “pockets” develop around the teeth. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or even fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak but they also compromise your smile. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: gingiva (gums), periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two main categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it typically precedes periodontitis.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. Deep pockets further collect plaque and bacteria and are difficult to clean. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.

If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue, periodontal ligament and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this bone, the alveolus, can lead to loosening and subsequent tooth loss. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response by the body to these bacteria.

Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. Eighty (80%) percent of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.