PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is a disease affecting the tissues that support the teeth, including the gum tissue and bone. The most common periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis (also called pyorrhea).

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

bad breath
unpleasant taste in the mouth
red, swollen gums that bleed easily and ache deep into the bones
loose teeth
sensitivity of teeth to hot and cold, or sweet foods and
infections in the gums

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 40. However, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent tooth loss. Contributing causes of periodontal disease may include:

vitamin deficiency, especially vitamin C deficiency
diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and disorders of the immune system
drugs that cause your mouth to be dry or change the development of the gums and
pregnancy

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and the first stage of periodontal disease, but it can be cured if treated. The most common cause of periodontal disease is long-term neglect of oral health. First, plaque will form. Plaque is a sticky material made of mucus, saliva, food particles, and bacteria that live in the mouth. Left on the teeth, plaque will harden. This creates tartar, which is yellow or brown in color. Tartar is not easily removed and forms in layers. This build-up is an ideal spot for more plaque and bacteria to grow. This causes the gum tissue to become inflamed, swell, and become tender. This stage of inflammation is called gingivitis.

Over time, if gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation becomes worse. Bacteria begins to attack the underlying, supporting tissues of the teeth (bone and ligaments). The supporting tissues are slowly destroyed. This causes the teeth to become loose. Eventually they may need to be pulled. This stage is called periodontitis.

The most common treatment of periodontal disease is a thorough dental cleaning, which includes:

removing tartar and plaque deposits from above and below the gum tissue
removing hard deposits from the roots
removing all diseased tissue lining the spaces between the teeth and
polishing the teeth to remove stains

Once this is done, the tissue can begin to heal. Antibiotics may be needed or further surgical treatment to reshape the gum tissue for easier self-cleaning.

If periodontal disease is not treated, it may cause permanent damage to the support of the teeth. However, the disease process can be stopped and further damage kept to a minimum with proper oral hygiene and good professional care.

The following tips can prevent periodontal disease:

floss at least once a day
brush after every meal
use a water pick to help flush out food from between teeth
have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year
use a mouth rinse to help prevent bacteria build-up in the mouth
have regular checkups with your dentist

For more information, contact the American Dental Association at (800) 621-8099 or visit their website at www.ada.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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