:) Periodontal Disease (:

What Is Periodontal Disease? -
Periodontal disease affects the structures in the mouth that support the teeth. It’s sometimes called “gum disease,” but it involves bone and other tissues, too. This disease is often chronic (persists over time). The good news is that treatment can limit damage and help keep your mouth healthier.

A Silent Disease -
Periodontal disease often causes no symptoms, especially in its early
stages. But don’t be fooled: This “silent” disease can still damage the
gums, bone, and other tissues that surround the teeth. Unless it’s
treated, this damage will worsen. Eventually this can lead to tooth loss. There is also evidence that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease are linked to more general health problems. These include heart disease, pregnancy complications, and other serious conditions.

What Puts You At Risk -
Some of the factors that put you at risk can be controlled, others
can’t. Though age is not a risk factor, older people often have more
severe disease because there has been more time for damage to occur Risk factors include:
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene (brushing and flossing)
• Having diabetes, especially if it’s poorly controlled
• Stress, teeth-grinding, or bite problems
• Hormone changes, such as those during pregnancy
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having a close family member with periodontal disease
• Taking certain medications

Treatment for Periodontal Disease -
Special dental cleanings, medications, and surgery are among the treatments for this disease. The sooner you’re treated, the better the outcome. If periodontal disease is caught early, your dentist may be able to reverse some or all of the damage with non- surgical treatments. If the disease is more advanced, surgery may stop further damage. In many cases, it can save teeth you’re in danger of losing. Much of the outcome is up to you, though. You’ll need to commit to taking better care of your teeth at home. And you’ll need regular maintenance (upkeep) dental care.

Your Dental Team -
These professionals may be involved in your care:

A general dentist treats a wide range of dental problems.
• A dental hygienist performs routine cleanings and in some cases certain nonsurgical treatments. Your hygienist can be a key ally.
• A periodontist, Dr. Moran and Dr. Gay, is a dentist who specializes in evaluating and treating periodontal disease. They perform both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Healthy Gums and Teeth -
Teeth are supported by the jawbone. Soft tissues (gums) cover the bone and part of each tooth, and fill spaces between teeth. Ligaments (connective fibers) attach teeth to bone. All of these tissues keep teeth in place to do their job, enabling you to chew and speak.

Plaque and Tartar -
Dental plaque forms constantly collecting in the grooves of the teeth, between teeth, at the gumline, and below it. If not removed with brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar can be removed only with a professional cleaning.

	Gingivitis - This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The gum becomes inflamed. The space between gum and tooth deepens, forming a pocket. Gums may become red and swollen, or may bleed when probed. Or, there may be no symptoms. Gingivitis can often be reversed with dental cleanings and regular brushing and flossing. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.
	Periodontitis - With periodontitis, infection and inflammation spread to the bone supporting the teeth. Ligaments break down and the gums may recede (shrink back). Pockets deepen and can be difficult to keep clean. Redness, swelling, and bleeding may develop or worsen. Bacteria multiply, and infection begins to destroy the bone. As bone is destroyed, teeth may start to feel loose.
	Advanced Periodontitis - As periodontitis advances, pockets deepen even more and can fill with pus. Around the roots of the teeth, the gums may start to swell. Bone loss continues. The teeth may feel sensitive to heat or cold, and may hurt when brushed. Teeth loosen due to loss of bone and ligament. In some cases, teeth may need to be removed to keep periodontal disease from spreading.

Resources:

American Academy of Periodontology / 800-356-7736 / www.perio.org

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