GINGIVITIS

 

The beginning stage of gum disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is caused by plaque bacteria that is not removed by daily brushing and flossing. During this stage of gum disease, damages can be reversed and gums can be restored completely to health through proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Common signs of gingivitis involve red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing as well as recession of gums.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERIODONTITIS

 

If gum disease is not treated during the early stages (gingivitis), it will progress into periodontal disease or periodontitis. Periodontal disease results from plaque bacteria causing infection and inflammation in both the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. As your body works to fight the bacterial infection in your gums, a substance is produced that in turn destroys structures that are working to hold your teeth in place including the periodontal ligament and bone. Loss of these supporting structures creates deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, allowing for more bacteria to build-up. This loss of supporting structures can not be fully reversed. Eventually, if left untreated, tooth loss can occur.

 

In general periodontal disease is painless and many of those affected are unaware of the infection in their mouths until properly diagnosed by a dental professional.

 

 

SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

 

Many people who have periodontal disease don’t recognize any signs or symptoms, or have misinformation leading them to believe that these symptoms are normal. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

 

• Red, swollen and bleeding gums

• Pain when flossing or brushing

• Receding gums making teeth appear longer

• Bad breath or bad taste in mouth

• Loose teeth

 

DIAGNOSIS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

 

To diagnose periodontal disease, your dentist will utilize a variety of information gathered through questionnaires, dental x-rays, visual exam and periodontal probing.  Questionnaires may include questions about family history, medical history and lifestyle. Your answers to these questions can help determine your risk for having periodontal disease and may influence the course of treatment recommended. Dental x-rays will visibly show the dentist if the bone supporting your teeth is at a healthy level or if there is loss. Visually, the appearance of your gums and teeth will give them clues as to whether or not you may have periodontal disease. Finally, a periodontal probing of your entire mouth will likely be performed. During this procedure, a thin instrument with line markings is inserted into the pocket around your tooth. This tool, a periodontal probe, will measure in millimeters (mm), how deep that pocket goes. Healthy gums that are free of infection will have probe readings of 1-3 mm; any readings 4 mm and above are considered to have active infection. A 4 mm reading is seen as early periodontal disease, depending on the dental provider, periodontal treatment may be rendered on areas with 4 mm pockets, others will watch these areas closely and use them as a warning. Pockets measuring 5 mm and above require active, immediate periodontal treatment to prevent any further advancement of the disease. Without treatment, periodontal disease will result in tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. Once you have periodontal disease, it can not be completely reversed. While recovery can happen through reattachment of gingival fibers to the tooth, bone lost during active disease will not come back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

 

Depending on the level of the disease process, treatment may vary. Some treatment options include scaling and root planing as well as periodontal surgeries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASE HERE.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE FACTS

 

Half of American adults (64.7 million) aged 30 and above have periodontal disease - Centers for Disease Control

 

The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed to others through saliva. Just like with the flu, if a person is exposed to the bacteria and is susceptible, they can get periodontal disease

 

Periodontal disease not only affects the mouth, it affects the whole body:

 

95 % of adults with diabetes also have periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease has a negative effect on blood glucose levels; the presence of moderate to severe periodontal disease in a patient can result in the progression or introduction of diabetes - American Academy of Periodontology

 

Some studies show a link between periodontal disease and premature birth and low birth weight in pregnant women

 

Those with periodontal disease are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and are at an increased risk for having heart attack - American Academy of Periodontology

 

Men with periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to men with good oral hygiene

Those with adult periodontal disease are at an increased risk of stroke - American Academy of Periodontology