What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a term describing infection of the tissues which surround a tooth. There are two levels of gum disease. Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums around the neck of a tooth which does not involve bone Periodontitis is an infection of the gums, ligament and bone surrounding a tooth.

What causes Periodontal Disease?

Gums disease is caused in part by your bodies reaction to bacteria and debris around your teeth.

Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up around your tooth. You may notice bleeding, swelling, inflammation in the gums around your teeth.

Periodontitis is when the bacteria penetrate below the gum line and cause destruction of the bone surrounding your teeth. You may or may not notice redness or swelling that comes and goes, but you also may notice teeth shifting with a long-term gum infection that can lead to tooth loss. You may also notice your gums receding as part of the disease process.

Factors which significantly increase the risk of developing periodontitis include:

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Stress

• Poor Oral Hygiene

• Genetics

What can I do to minimize my risk of Periodontal Disease?

To minimize your risk of future periodontal disease, you must be mindful of the risk factors stated above. Gingivitis is usually well managed by adopting excellent oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis is more difficult to manage. Protocols recommended by your dentist may include:

• • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (SPT) is the initial treatment (even if this was done at your dentist's office) at intervals ranging from every 3, 4, 6 months depending on your level of disease

    • Oral antibiotics in addition to SPT

    • Customized home care instruction- (electric toothbrush with timer and pressure sensor, interdental brushes)

    • Smoking cessation

  • Surgical Periodontal Therapy

    • Pocket reduction surgery (gum surgery) which includes recontouring of gum and bone around affected teeth to allow better access for professional root cleaning and daily home care

    • There are time that even with the best of care, teeth will still require extraction. Replacement options can include dental implants, however, the bacteria that lead to tooth loss can also lead to implant loss

What will happen if I choose to do nothing about my Periodontal Disease?

As uncontrolled periodontitis is progressive in nature, it will lead to increased bone loss and eventual tooth loss; ultimately affecting your ability to eat and speak. There are also connections between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of the body such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.