Periodontal Disease
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Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque.
Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. If not properly removed, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). With daily brushing and flossing, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum and bone tissues that hold teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities.
Warning signs of gum disease:
- Bleeding gums during tooth brushing and flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or separated teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some forms of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
How can my periodontal disease be repaired?
Scaling and root planing is the non-surgical technique that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline using specially designed instruments.
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult to thoroughly remove plaque and tarter. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery and also limits the areas of required surgery.
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