WHAT
IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE? The word periodontal literally means around the root.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection
that can damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, it can
lead to tooth loss. Peridontists are the dental professionals who specialize in
treating periodontal disease.
WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL GUM DISEASE? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that
clings to teeth and gums. Even if you brush and clean between your teeth every
day, you may not completely remove plaque, especially around the gum line. The
bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and underlying bone. Over
time, these toxins can destroy gum and bone tissue.
WARNING
SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The following signs may give
you a clue of whether you are suffering from gum disease. If you have any
of the following signs, contact our office right away.
-
Bleeding
from your gums when you brush
-
Red,
swollen or tender gums
-
Bad
breath or bad taste
-
Loose
teeth
-
Gums
that have pulled away from your teeth
-
Pus
in-between your teeth and gums when your press down on the gums
-
A change
in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
-
Any
changes in the fit of partial dentures
It
is possible not to have these warning signs and still have gum disease. Also,
most people do not feel pain with the disease. This is why regular checkups are
important.
FACTORS THAT
MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
SMOKING / TOBACCO USE:
Tobacco
users are more likely to get periodontal disease and suffer from the more severe
forms. Also, healing following therapy may take more time.
PREGNANCY AND PUBERTY:
Some hormonal
changes can cause the gums to become red and tender and bleed easily. Any preexisting
periodontal disease can become more severe.
STRESS:
Stress can make it more
difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
MEDICATION:
Some drugs, such as
oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicines, can affect oral
health. You should always inform our office of the medicines you are taking and
changes in your health history.
CLENCHING OR GRINDING YOUR TEETH:
These habits can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could
speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.
DIABETES:
Periodontal disease
can be more severe in uncontrolled diabetics. In addition, untreated periodontal
disease can make it harder for uncontrolled diabetics to keep their diabetes under
control.
POOR NUTRITION:
A diet low in
important nutrients can also make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
SYSTEMIC
DISEASE:
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen
the condition of the gums.
