Periodontal diseases can start with gum inflammation and if not treated it can progress and cause major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In serious cases, teeth can be lost. Once diagnosed with periodontal disease, its control depends on how well teeth and gums are cared for daily.
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria populate and find a home in the mouth and along with mucus and other particles forms plaque that sticks to the teeth. When plaque is not removed daily, it has a tendency to stick to the teeth and harden. It is therefore important to brush and floss to get rid of plaque. The plaque that becomes hard forms “tarter” and will require professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist to be removed.
What is Gingivitis?
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”) In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Risk Factors
• Smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in girls/women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications. There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. And some medications can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep gums clean.
• Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums.
• Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.
Who gets gum disease?
People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Don’t smoke
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:
• Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
• Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
• Use a tiny ruler called a ‘probe’ to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.
• The dentist or hygienist may also
- Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
- Refer you to a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas. Dr. Nicholas is an experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist.
How is gum disease treated?
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. Dr. Anne A. Nicholas is a Periodontist and can help you control and treat gum disease. If you are concerned that you might have this disease, don’t wait, call Dr. Nicholas today to schedule an appoint to determine what treatment will be required to maintain your good oral health. Dr. Nicholas is located in Palm Desert at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2. You can also call and schedule an appointment by calling 760-340-1030.
The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Dr. Nicholas may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.