Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in susceptible individuals.
Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque consists of bacteria that produce toxins after they consume the various sugars we eat. Those waste products initiate the destruction of the bone and gum that support our teeth.
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors (risk factors; genetics, smoking, and diabetes.) However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
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 tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form 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
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
Heart & Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for cardiovascular disease...
For a long time we've known that bacteria may affect the heart.
Now evidence is mounting that suggests people with periodontal disease - a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease, and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than patients without periodontal disease.
...While more research is needed to confirm how periodontal bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries.
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits inside the heart arteries.
One out of every 5 Americans has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these Americans, or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation - because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.
Diabetes & Periodontal Disease
The two-way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes...
For years we've known that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes.
Recently, research has emerged suggesting that the relationship goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar. What we do know is that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when your body functions with a high blood sugar. And, as a diabetic, you know that this puts you at increased risk for diabetic complications. In other words, controlling your periodontal disease may help you control your diabetes.
If you are among the nearly 16 million Americans in the U.S. who live with diabetes, or are at risk for periodontal disease, see a periodontist for an evaluation - because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.
Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may be at risk for having a premature, low birthweight baby...
For a long time we've known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birthweight - smoking, alcohol use, drug use and infections.
Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor - periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. What we do know is that periodontal disease is an infection and all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby.
If you are planning to become pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease be sure to include a periodontal evaluation with a periodontist as part of your prenatal care - because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body and a healthy baby.
Respiratory & Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for respiratory disease...
For a long time we've known that people who smoke, are elderly, or have other health problems that suppress the immune system, are at increased risk for the development of respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may put people at increased risk for respiratory disease. What we do know is that infections in the mouth, like periodontal disease, are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection.
If you are at risk for respiratory disease or periodontal disease see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation - because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.
Women and Periodontal Disease
As a woman you know that your health needs are unique. You know that a healthy diet, brushing and flossing daily, and regular exercise can help you stay in shape. You also know that at certain times of your life you need to take extra measures for your care. These are the times when your body is changing or maturing due to hormonal changes. Your periodontal health needs change at these times too.
During puberty there is an increase in levels of sex hormones that make periodontal tissues exquisitely more sensitive to the effects of bacteria plaque, food debris, and calculus (calcified plaque). The gums react by swelling and turning red. They may bleed when the teeth are brushed or flossed and become sensitive and sore. In some cases the bone around the teeth can be damaged. Since this reaction is due to deposits around the teeth, they must be carefully removed and meticulous home care is necessary to manage the condition. As a young woman progresses through puberty, the reaction of the gums and bone will lessen. But the need for good home care and regular professional care will not.
Red, swollen, sensitive gums can be much more prevalent during menstruation. This is due an increased amount of progesterone in your system. Gingivitis, (an inflammation of the gums) due to this hormonal change, usually occurs just before a woman's period and diminishes once her period has started. Personal oral hygiene is essential in maintaining good oral health during this time.
During pregnancy many women will experience gingivitis is the second or third month with increasing intensity through the eighth month and decreasing during the ninth month. If your gums are in good health before you become pregnant you are less likely to develop problems. This type of gingivitis is characterized by swollen, red, bleeding gums. Occasionally, the inflamed gums will form a large, unsightly lump. It is an extreme inflammatory response and is not cancerous. These conditions due to pregnancy require special attention to prevent damage to the bone around the teeth. You will benefit from a periodontal evaluation if you are thinking about becoming pregnant or have just become pregnant. We can evaluate your periodontal status and recommend appropriate care during yur pregnancy. You may also be interested in reading about the possible association of pre-term low weight births and untreated periodontal disease include in...
Menopause brings a wide variety of changes for women. You may notice a change in the way your mouth looks or feels. You may experience sensitive or burning gums, a dry mouth, or altered tastes. For some women there is an increased risk of osteoporosis, which is thought to be a risk factor for periodontitis. If you experience oral symptoms associated with menopause, we can help you manage these conditions.
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