Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease & How Can You Prevent It?

Periodontal is a broad term used to describe various diseases that affect the gums, bone, and surrounding structures of the teeth. It is listed as the #1 disease affecting mankind by the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records.

Most Common Types are Gingivitis and Periodontitis

The most common types of adult periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis causes bleeding and reddening of the gums. Periodontitis damages the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. This happens when bacteria increases to form a paste-like substance called plaque. Accumulation of plaque and tartar covering the teeth are the beginning stages of periodontal diseases. Tartar is long standing plaque that has absorbed calcium on the tooth surface. Early detection and treatment are your best defense.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease 

• Poor dental hygiene
• Poorly contoured fillings or crowns
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• High levels of stress
• Diabetes
• Down's Syndrome
• AIDS
• Taking certain medications, including steroids, oral contraceptives, and blood pressure medications
• Genetics: children of parents with periodontitis are 12 times more likely to have the bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease

Warning Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The existence of bone destruction under the gums cannot be visually detected. This makes it especially important to visit your dentist regularly. Some early warning signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
• Swollen, tender gums
• Pain or tenderness in the gums
• Changes in your bite
• Constant bad breath or taste
• Tooth sensitivity
• Teeth that are loose or shifting
• Itchy sensation
• Changes in the fit of your oral appliance (for example, partial dentures)

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Research indicates that periodontal diseases may contribute to diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart attack, stroke, or be associated with premature childbirth.

 Prevention of Periodontal Disease

• Good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can stop the disease's progression
• Eating a balanced diet to supply nutrients for good health
• Proper use of a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash
• Drinking at least seven glasses of water per day to increase salive in the mouth

 Treatment of Periodontal Disease

An evaluation is done by Dr. Paprocki using a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. X-rays are also taken to see whether the bone has been damaged. Depending on the disease progression, the following treatments may be used:

• More frequent cleaning interval with your dentist
• Scaling is done to scrape off the tartar and plaque from the tooths crowns and roots
• Rough surfaces of the root are smoothened
• Surgery may be needed in certain cases to properly treat the disease

Early detection is important in the treatment of periodontal disease. In addition, you will be able to keep your overall dental costs down by preventing further destruction of your teeth and bone structure. 

If you have any questions on periodontal disease, call our office today at 608-437-SMIL (7645)to set up an appointment or contact us here.

Normal, healthy gums Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.

Periodontitis Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus continue to build, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.

Advanced Periodontitis The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament. Teeth - even healthy ones - may become loose and need to be extracted.

   

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