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Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
How Periodontal Disease Affects My General Health
It has been clearly illustrated over the years that periodontal disease plays a role in other general health issues:
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What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a chronic progressive disease that according to the CDC affects almost 50% of people over the age of 30 and 65% of people over age 70.
It starts out as gingivitis, which is when the gum tissues become inflamed to to improper removal of plaque, bacteria, food and other foreign objects. This is noted by red, swollen and bleeding gums. At this stage, there has been no loss of attachment of the gums to the teeth and to the bone.
Periodontal Disease is when gingivitis progresses from strictly to inflammation to inflammation with attachment loss. As plaque, bacteria, etc are not removed and invade the sulcus (the thin, naturally occurring space or pocket between the teeth and gums) the fibrous attachments are damaged causing deeper and deeper pockets. The worse part is as these pockets get deeper, they become harder to clean. Worse yet, new types of bacteria that thrive in the absence of oxygen start to grow and these are even more damaging to the gum tissue. At a certain point, the damage progresses completely through the gum tissue and starts to erode the bone underneath. This is a real problem, because once the bone is lost, it is difficult and many times impossible to get back.
What Can Be Done?
First and foremost, prevention through excellent hygiene and routine dental care is the best option.
Gingivitis is usually easily reversed when home care is improved. Sometimes prescription mouth rinses are used to help resolve the issue.
Periodontal Disease usually requires more significant treatment from your dentist and hygienist. At DDS this will include scaling and root planing procedures utilizing ultrasonic scaling devices that irrigate the tissues with antibacterial liquids in addition to treatments using dental lasers. These lasers kill bacteria, remove inflamed and infected gum tissue and promote healing and reattachment of the gum tissue. For more specific information see the Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy section in the Laser Dentistry portion of our website.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Treat My Periodontal Disease?
The damage will progress until enough bone is lost that the teeth become loose and will need to be extracted. Even before it gets to this point, patients are at increased risk for periodontal infections and abscesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum irritation, infection, and inflammation.
2). What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs often include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. Because these symptoms are usually painless at first, gum disease can easily go unnoticed without regular dental visits.
3). How does periodontal disease progress over time?
Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, a mild form of inflammation. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can lead to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually loose or missing teeth.
4). Is periodontal disease reversible?
In its early stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible with proper oral care and professional treatment. In more advanced stages, while the damage cannot be fully reversed, it can be effectively managed to protect your oral health.
5). Can periodontal disease affect overall health?
Yes. Research suggests that gum disease may be linked to other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease is an important part of maintaining your overall health.
6). Who is at higher risk for developing gum disease?
Certain factors can increase your risk, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and some medical conditions. Regular dental care can help manage and reduce these risks.
7). How can periodontal disease be prevented?
Prevention starts with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help keep your gums healthy and free from disease.
8). Why is early detection of gum disease important?
Catching gum disease early allows for simpler, more effective treatment. Early care can prevent permanent damage and help maintain the health of your gums and supporting bone.
9). What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Over time, it may also contribute to other health concerns beyond your oral health.