Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Another reason to maintain good oral hygiene
A study published in the journal of Periodontology confirms recent findings that people with Periodontal (gum) disease are at greater risk of systemic diseases such as Cardiovascular (heart) disease.  Researchers found diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial proinflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients.  As a result, these harmful bacteria components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart and cause harm.

What is periodontal disease?
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth."  Periodontal disease also called gum disease is serious bacterial infection that destroys the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth.  If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue and the underlying bone around the teeth will dissolve.  It will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place.  Chronic inflammation, resulting from periodontal disease, is responsible for 70% of all adult tooth loss and affects 75% of people at some point in their lives.

Signs of gum disease:
The following are indicators that you may have gum disease:

• Gums that bleed when you brush/floss your teeth

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away

• Loose teeth

• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Treatment may include any or a combination of the following:

• Scaling and root planning

• Medication

• Surgery

• Pocket reduction

• Dental implants

Causes of Periodontal Disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.  However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums:

• Genetics

• Lifestyle choices

• A diet low in nutrients

• Smoking / the use of smokeless tobacco

• Autoimmune or systemic disease

• Diabetes

• Hormonal changes in the body

• Bruxism (incessant clenching of the teeth)

• Certain medications

Types of Periodontal Disease?
There are many forms of periodontal disease.  The different types of periodontal disease are often classified by the stage the disease has advanced to at the time of evaluation, including:

• Gingivitis

• Mild periodontist

• Moderate to advanced periodontist