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Procedures

Periodontics and Gum Disease

Understanding and Treating Gum or Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a widespread condition that affects the gums – the tissues surrounding and supporting our teeth. If left untreated, this disease can lead to tooth loss and can even contribute to much more significant health problems, for example, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. At our practice, we believe that prevention and early treatment of periodontal disease are vital for maintaining not simply the health of your teeth and gums but also your overall well-being.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of plaque, a kind of sticky film of bacteria that can form and stick on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The longer that plaque and tartar are allowed to stay on the teeth, the more harm they are able to cause to the gums, eventually leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. If early gum disease is left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a further serious form of gum disease that has the ability to damage the bone supporting the teeth.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, no permanent damage has occurred, and it is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Early Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to early periodontitis. In this stage of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. Mild bone loss may also occur.
Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease further progresses, the pockets in the gums caused by the disease deepen, leading to further bone loss and gum recession. Teeth may begin to loosen, and the infection can spread deeper into the bone.
Advanced Periodontitis: The final stage involves significant bone loss, loose teeth, and potential tooth loss. The gums may also recede to the point where the teeth appear longer than normal.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

While plaque buildup is generally the primary cause of periodontal disease, several other factors can contribute to its development:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing – which allows plaque to build up on teeth.
Smoking: Tobacco use can potentially cause the immune system to weaken, thereby making it harder for the body to fight off a severe gum infection.
Genetics: In some cases, genetics plays a role. Some individuals could be more genetically predisposed towards developing gum disease.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause all have the potential to increase gum sensitivity and make gums more vulnerable to disease.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing and not being able to fight off infections, including gum disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The symptoms of periodontal disease tend to vary depending on the stage of the condition. Common signs include:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession, making teeth appear longer
Pain while chewing
Loose or shifting teeth
Pus between the teeth and gums

It’s important to note here that periodontal disease can be and is often painless in the early stages, which is particularly why regular dental checkups are essential for early detection.

The Importance of Early Detection

The early detection of the onset of periodontal disease is crucial to preventing the progression of the condition. Through routine dental examinations and cleanings, we can identify and treat gum disease before it causes significant damage. We employ advanced diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays and periodontal probing to assess the health of the gums and underlying bone structure.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure has your dentist remove the plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line (scaling) and smooth out rough spots that have appeared on the roots of the teeth (root planing) to help gums reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotic Therapy: Local or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infection. Antibiotics can be delivered directly into the periodontal pockets to target specific areas of infection.

Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery: When non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, flap surgery may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves the lifting back of the gums to remove tartar deposits and, after that, securing the gums in place to reduce the size of the periodontal pockets.
Bone Grafts: For patients with significant bone loss, bone grafts can be used to help regenerate lost bone and support teeth.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): This surgical procedure involves placing a special membrane between the bone and gum tissue to encourage the regeneration of bone and tissue in areas destroyed by periodontal disease.
Soft Tissue Grafts: To address gum recession, soft tissue grafts are sometimes used to cover exposed roots and prevent further gum loss.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Prevention is absolutely the key to maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Here are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of periodontal disease include:

Brush and Floss Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between the teeth.
Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is harmful for everyone in all circumstances. It is particularly detrimental as a potent risk factor for gum disease; therefore, quitting smoking can dramatically improve your oral health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular checkups and professional dental cleanings are an absolute must for the early detection and prevention of periodontal disease.

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health

Recent research has shown that periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It has been linked to a number of systemic health issues, including:

Cardiovascular Disease: There is evidence that the inflammation which is caused by gum disease could impact and increase the risk of heart disease as well as the risk for a stroke.
Diabetes: The onset of gum disease can make it harder for the patient to control their blood sugar levels. Which is why people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.
Respiratory Disease: For people suffering from gum disease, bacteria from the mouth could be inhaled into the lungs, thereby leading to infections and worsening conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are at a higher risk of giving premature birth and of low birth weight babies.

Periodontal disease is a serious oral condition that can have far-reaching effects on your oral and overall health. By understanding what the causes are, what the symptoms might be, and what your treatment options are, you can take effective proactive steps to protect your gums, protect your oral health, and maintain a healthy smile. You want early detection and professional care of gum disease. Your sticking to regular scheduled dental checkups, combined with professional dental cleanings is what will help achieve this outcome.

In addition to the care at the dental office, you should adhere to a consistent oral hygiene routine at home. This combination of professional care and personal habit will go a long way in ensuring that you have a lifetime of outstanding oral health.

By staying observant and vigilant about your oral health and staying consistent with your scheduled dental checkups, you could keep periodontal disease at bay and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

For more information about Periodontic treatment or Gum disease treatment, please call Dr. Longo’s Dentistry. Our team would be pleased to assist you.

To schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today. You can do this by phone or by message from our website.

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