Periodontal Disease and Your Health
AAP Risk Assessment Test
Periodontology, by definition, means the study of surrounding structures of teeth. Therefore, the dental specialty of periodontics is focused on the treatment and prevention of disease around teeth and dental implants. Periodontists not only examine the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, but also the function of the joint, muscles and existing dentition (teeth), to comprehensively treat every patient. Unfortunately, all teeth cannot be treated and maintained and must be removed for a wide variety of reasons. Therefore, biotechnology has made it possible for dental professionals to choose from various methods to replace these missing teeth. One of these options is the placement of dental implants. Since dental implants are intimately associated with the gums and bone surrounding implants and the adjacent teeth, periodontists are ideal members of the dental implant team. Together, with your restorative dentist, periodontists can aid in restoring your mouth to a healthy, functional and esthetic smile.
Periodontal Disease, otherwise known as gum disease, can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
"Periodontium" is the term that is used to describe the supporting structures of the teeth. Therefore, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the periodontium. How does the infection start? The infection first begins when food debris is not cleared from the tooth surface by a toothbrush or floss. Plaque (a sticky, colorless film that attaches to teeth) is then formed within minutes to hours from the initial contact with the teeth. As the plaque matures, bacteria invade this complex matrix because the film supplies the bacteria with nutrients and a protective environment to survive and grow. In the initial stages, bacterial toxins start an inflammatory process within the gum tissue known as gingivitis. The tissue becomes red and generally may bleed when brushing or flossing. If the film is allowed to remain attached to the teeth, salivary enzymes and minerals cause the plaque to be calcified, which forms calculus (or tartar). At this point, a tooth brush and floss are mechanically unable to remove the calculus from the teeth. Only dental instruments properly used by the dental team will properly aid in its removal. If this calculus and plaque continue to adhere and supply the bacteria with a protective environment, the bacterial toxins continue to invade the periodontium and signal an inflammatory process that attempts to fight off the infection. Together, these processes lead to a destruction of the periodontium called periodontitis. As the supporting structures of the teeth are destroyed, the gum tissue can separate from the teeth, then teeth can become loose and possibly lost or removed.
In addition, research has also suggested that periodontal pathogens can enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and increase one's risk of heart disease, stroke, and pre-term low birth weight babies. This bacteremia can also decrease diabetic control as well as threaten a chronic respiratory disease. Please review our Systemic Effects page for the latest information regarding periodontal disease related studies.
If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact us or your dentist to determine the health status of your mouth:
- pain in your mouth
- gums bleeding when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food
- spaces developing between your teeth
- gums feeling swollen or tender
- receding gums (pulling back from your teeth) or longer teeth
- persistent bad breath
- infectious drainage between your teeth and gums
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- sores in your mouth that won't go away or that come and go
The American Academy of Periodontology offers a free online Risk Assessment Test if you suspect you may have periodontal disease. To complete, please click the following link: http://service.previser.com/aap/default.aspx
Some of the information provided has been obtained from the American Academy of Periodontology, www.perio.org