Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control 67.4 % of Americans 30 years and older suffer from Periodontal Disease! Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal (gum)disease is associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is higher in men than women (56.4 percent vs. 38.4 percent). Statistics show that it is highest in Mexican-Americans (66.7 percent) compared to other races. There is also high prevalence rates in smokers (64.2 percent) and those living below the federal poverty level (65.4 percent).

What causes periodontitis is food and bacteria that accumulate around the teeth forming plaque and hardened form of plaque known as tartar.The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissues that hold teeth in place. When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to means inflammation around the tooth or “periodontitis”. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

How do you know weather you have periodontal disease? A simple test is to floss between all of you teeth. If there is bleeding there is an infection. Often the bleeding is accompanied with bad breath and tender gums. Your body bleeds to flush out the bacteria. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Treatment of periodontal disease is a bit more complex. The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist needs to remove the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods. Medications such as Arestin or Atridox may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planning, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment.

Although periodontal disease is an infectious disease, it is preventable and curable. Brush ,clean between your teeth, a balanced diet and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles! You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease!