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Periodontal disease is not a condition many of us think about in regards to our own dental health, and many people are not even familiar with what this health concern really is. We see it on posters in the dentist’s office, may hear the phrase thrown around from time to time in medical dramas, but what is periodontal disease actually? Periodontal disease is best summed up as gum disease. It’s the result of infections and inflammation of the gum and bones that support the teeth, and it’s much more common than you might imagine.
The CDC reports that 47.2% of adults aged 30 or older in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is more common in men than women and is one of the biggest threats to dental health. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along the gum line, and this bacteria build-up around the gum line then leads to swollen, infected, and bleeding gums. This early stage is called gingivitis, but it can quickly progress to periodontitis which is when the gums pull away from the teeth causing pockets which the bacteria can easily enter, and could lead to bone or tooth loss.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for if you suspect you may have periodontal disease:
- Consistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth
- Painful chewing
- Tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Gums that are swollen or red
- Receding gums or deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Bleeding gums
- Separating or loose teeth
Besides poor oral care, there are a few other factors that can make a person more prone to developing periodontitis, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, smoking, certain medications, family history, and stress. Studies have also shown that advanced gum disease can lead to other serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, and even some forms of cancer. If caught in its early stages, gum disease is often reversible if you follow an excellent dental care regimen of brushing and flossing twice a day, avoiding smoking, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups.
Periodontitis, the more severe stage of gum disease, may require the help of a professional known as a periodontist – a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontists receive extensive training in this area and are required to have three years of education beyond dental school. There are several different treatments you may expect if you’re battling periodontal disease. We’ve broken them up into surgical vs. non-surgical.
Non- Surgical:
Scaling – This procedure removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and underneath your gums using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device.
Root Planing – Root surfaces are smoothed with this procedure, discouraging bacterial growth and bacterial byproducts that may cause inflammation and delay healing.
Antibiotics – Topical or oral antibiotics can be used to stop a bacterial infection.
Tissue-Stimulated Proteins – This technique involves applying a gel that contains the same protein found in developing tooth enamel to an infected tooth root, in the hopes of stimulating the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
Surgical:
Flap Surgery – This surgery consists of tiny incisions made in your gum to pull the tissue back and allow for effective scaling and root planing of the infected tooth roots. If there has been bone loss due to periodontitis, the bone can be recontoured before the gum tissue is sutured back into place.
Soft Tissue Grafts- If you have been experiencing receding gums, your periodontist will take a tissue graft from the roof of your mouth or another area of the mouth to cover the roots and reduce further gum recession.
Bone Grafting – This procedure is for when you’ve had extreme bone loss around your teeth from gum disease. Fragments of your own bone, synthetic, or donated bones are grafted to help keep your tooth in place, and serve as a base for new bone regrowth.
While periodontitis can be painful and stressful, the good news is that gum disease is easily preventable and often reversible if caught early. Implementing healthy oral care habits at home is the best prevention against developing gum disease. Maintaining regular dental check-ups twice a year is also key to keeping a healthy mouth. Call our office today at Simply Smiles, and we would love to help ensure you never have to suffer from periodontal disease.
Sources:
https://simplysmilesmiami.com/services/periodontics/
https://www.fidleronthetooth.com/blog/gum-disease/
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479