Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is also called gum disease. It is a chronic infection caused by bacteria that affects gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. The buildup of tartar on teeth can cause inflammation and infection. Untreated periodontal diseases can cause tooth loss and bone loss.

Periodontal disease is divided into two types: gingivitis, and periodontitis. Gingivitis, the milder type, is characterized as red, swollen and bleeding gums. In the more advanced stages of the disease, the gums pull away from teeth and form pockets which can be infected. Periodontitis can also cause bad breath, receding gingival lines, loose teeth and a change in how your teeth fit when you bite.

Periodontal diseases can be managed and treated with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. In more advanced cases, surgery may be required. If you think you may have periodontal diseases, it's best to consult a periodontist or dentist as early treatment is key to preventing further damage to the teeth and gums.

The main cause of periodontal disease (also known as gum infection) is a bacterial infection. Dental plaque, which is a sticky film on the teeth, contains bacteria that can damage and inflame gums and tissues.

Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of factors.

1. Poor oral hygiene. Gum disease can develop when plaque and tartar are not removed by regular brushing and flossing.
2. Smoking and tobacco use. Tobacco use can accelerate the progression of gum disease and make treatment more difficult.
3. Genetic factors may make some people more susceptible to periodontal diseases.
4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty and pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of gum disease.
5. Medication: Some medications can cause dry mouth, and can increase the risk for gum disease.
6. Gum disease is more common in people with chronic diseases such as HIV, diabetes, heart disease and diabetes.

To prevent gum disease, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene and visit a dentist on a regular basis. You should consult a periodontist or dentist if you suspect you may have gum disease.

The severity of gum disease or periodontal disease can affect the symptoms. Early on, symptoms may not be noticeable. As the disease advances, these symptoms may become more evident:

1. Gums that are red, swollen or tender: This can be a sign of early gum disease.
2. Bleeding Gums: Gums which bleed when brushing or flossing are a sign that you have gum disease.
3. Receding gums - As the gums pull back from the teeth, pockets may form between the teeth.
4. Loose teeth or teeth that shift: As gum disease advances, the supporting tissues and bone can break down. This causes teeth to become loose.
5. Bad breath can be an indication of gum disease.
6. Changes in bite: Gum disease can shift teeth, causing changes in how upper and lower teeth meet when biting.
7. Gum disease that is advanced can lead to pus or other discharge around the teeth or gums.

Some people may not show any symptoms of gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can detect gum disease at an early stage and help prevent it from becoming more serious.

What other diseases are associated with periodontal disease

Other health conditions have been associated with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to several other health conditions.

1. Heart disease: Studies suggest that periodontal diseases may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Diabetes: People who have diabetes are more susceptible than others to infection, including gum disease. Gum disease can be more difficult to treat if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
3. Pregnancy complications. Women with periodontal diseases may be at increased risk for premature births and low birthweight.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although the nature of this relationship is still not fully understood, there may be a connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

The relationship between periodontal and these conditions is complex and not completely understood. Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular dental cleanings and checkups, along with brushing and flossing, can reduce the risk for gum disease.

Periodontal disease or gum disease cannot be cured but it can be treated and managed effectively. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, control infection and prevent further damage.

In most cases, gum disease is treated with a combination of office procedures and home care. Early gum disease treatment can include dental cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing.

Treatment for advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may include more invasive procedures, such as scaling and planing (deep cleaning), surgery or bone and tissues grafts.

While gum disease can be effectively managed with treatment, it's a chronic condition and requires ongoing maintenance in order to prevent it from returning. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are recommended, as well as improved oral hygiene and, in some cases prescription antibiotics or mouthwashes.

While gum disease is not curable, it can be effectively managed and treated through a combination in-office procedures as well as at-home care. Working closely with your periodontist or dentist to create a plan of treatment that suits your needs is important.

The severity of periodontal or gum disease can affect the treatment options. Treatment may include a combination of office procedures and home care.

Gum disease can be treated in several ways.

1. Professional dental cleaning. In the early stages (gingivitis) of gum disease, a professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar and improve the gum's health.
2. Scaling and root planning: In cases of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), this deep cleaning method involves removing plaque, tartar and calculus from beneath the gum line. It also involves smoothing out the roots of teeth to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
3. Periodontal Surgery: In certain cases, periodontal surgeries may be required to remove damaged tissues or recontour gums in order to reduce the depth and health of periodontal pocket.
4. Bone and tissue Grafts: In severe gum disease cases, bone and tissues grafts are often necessary to regenerate the lost bone and tissue. They also improve the stability of teeth.
5. Antibiotics can be prescribed in some cases to control bacterial infections that cause gum disease.

Gum disease can be treated at home by improving oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash.

Working closely with your periodontist or dentist to create a plan of treatment that suits your needs is important. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important to manage gum disease.

Although teeth cleaning and periodontal treatments should not cause pain, some patients experience discomfort during or after the procedure. The degree of discomfort will vary depending on how severe the gum disease is and what type of treatment you are receiving.

During a professional cleaning, the dental hygiene or dentist will remove tartar and plaque from the gums and teeth using special tools. This procedure may cause mild discomfort, particularly if your gums are inflamed and/or if you have sensitive teeth.

Scaling and root planing or periodontal surgical procedures may be required for more advanced gum diseases, such as those with periodontitis. These procedures clean the teeth and gums in greater depth and can cause discomfort and sensitivity both during and after. Anesthesia can help to minimize discomfort.

If you experience any discomfort, it's important that you communicate with your periodontist or dentist. They can adjust the treatment if necessary to minimize discomfort and make sure you're as comfortable as possible.