Periodontal Diseases
What are periodontal diseases?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious bacterial infection that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue, and the surrounding bone will dissolve and no longer be able to hold the teeth in place.
The different types of periodontal diseases are often classified by the stage the disease has advanced to at the time of evaluation, including:
- Gingivitis - The mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums are likely to become red, swollen, and tender, causing them to bleed easily during daily cleanings and flossing. Treatment by a dentist, along with proper care at home, helps to resolve the problems associated with gingivitis.
- Mild periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis leads to mild periodontitis. This stage of gum disease shows evidence of the bone around the tooth starting to erode. Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent further erosion and damage.
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis - This most advanced stage of gum disease shows significant bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth and subsequent mobility of the tooth and root.
What causes periodontal disease?
The leading cause of periodontal disease, in addition to multiple oral health problems, is bacteria. Other factors that can increase the effects of bacteria in the gums include:
- Autoimmune or Systemic diseases
- Certain medications
- Diet
- Tobacco use
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes in the body
- Bruxism/Tooth Grinding
Common Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding upon brushing and/or flossing
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose drifting teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Dentures no longer fit
- Tender gums
- A change in bite
The symptoms of gum disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a dentist or other oral health specialist for a diagnosis.
Treatment for periodontal disease:
Specific treatment for periodontal disease will be determined by your dentist based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the infection
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include any, or a combination of, the following:
- Prophy- the removal of plaque and calculus build up at or above the gum line. Daily brushing and flossing along with professional cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
- Scaling and Root Planning - Early stages of periodontal disease are often treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. A deep, thorough cleaning can help remove the plaque and infected tissue below the gum line. The surfaces of the roots may also be smoothed (planed) allowing the healed tissue to reattach to the teeth.
- Medication
- Surgery - When the disease is advanced, the infected areas under the gums may be too deep to be cleaned properly, surgery exposes the diseased area and allows area to be cleaned thoroughly, the tissues will then be reshaped or replaced.
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