Periodontal Disease and Your Health

Perio-what?   Sometimes called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection in the gums and bony tissues that support your teeth.   When plaque and food particles are left on teeth, a build-up of bacteria occurs in that crevice just below the gum line.  As the bacteria grow and thrive, they feed also on the tissue that attaches to your tooth and cause it to break down, creating a deeper pocket between your gums and your jawbone. If this condition is allowed to worsen, the pocket continues to get deeper, and teeth may actually become loose and mobile as the supporting bone is lost. In fact, gum disease, not cavities or aging, is the number one reason that adults in America lose their teeth. 

Does Periodontal Disease affect my overall health?

In the past ten years, researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.  The connection between your mouth and your heart may seem difficult to explain, but we’ll give it a try.

One theory of this mouth-heart link proposes that bacteria from your mouth may enter the blood stream and attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (the blood vessels in your heart), contributing to clot formation and preventing your heart from receiving the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function properly (sometimes causing heart attack).  Another theory proposes that the chronic inflammation that’s caused by periodontal disease increases plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.  Whatever the cause, it’s evident that a statistically significant connection does exist.

What can I do to prevent Periodontal Disease?

There are many things that increase your risk for Periodontal Disease. In fact, some people may be genetically predisposed to the disease. The American Dental Association has found that bacteria in the mouth can start causing gum disease in only 24 hours; so regular, thorough cleaning is imperative.  The first and most important step is to take excellent care of your teeth– brush twice a day, floss daily, and see us twice a year for regular cleanings.

Next, eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is good for your gums and the rest of your body.  Choose a wide variety of foods, including breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish, and dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.  Limit between-meal snacks.

Finally, don’t smoke!  Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for your teeth and gums.  According to the ADA, people who smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup and to show signs of advanced gum disease and are more likely to develop mouth cancer in the future. 

How do I know if I have Periodontal Disease?

As with any oral health problem, a thorough exam of your mouth must be done before making a specific diagnosis.  However, if you notice any of the below symptoms, please be sure to call us immediately.

• Gums that bleed easily, particularly when you brush or floss

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Pus between your teeth and your gums

• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

• Permanent teeth that are loose

• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• Any change in the way your partial dentures fit

Please note that it’s very possible for you to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs at all, which is why it is so important for you to be vigilant about regular dental checkups and cleanings.

What are the treatment options for Periodontal Disease?

The best decision regarding your treatment option can be made after a full mouth examination and any necessary tests or x-rays.  However, common options may include the following: 

• Non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (a careful, deep cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and bacterial toxins) with locally applied antibiotics, may be the most appropriate treatment for those with early-stage periodontal disease. 

• Periodontal surgery may be necessary in more extensive cases, in which the disease has had time to progress and has done quite a bit of damage to your gums and tissues.

• Dental implants are a treatment option if the disease has progressed to the point if a tooth is lost and implants can provide the look, feel, and functionality of a real tooth.

Periodontal disease is serious business, and we want you to have the facts about the risks, warning signs, and treatments.  We believe that educating our patients is one of the most important things that we can do to help you enjoy terrific oral health.  If you have questions or would like to make an appointment to talk with us about your concerns, call us today!