Periodontal Disease
1) What is periodontal disease?Periodontal disease occurs when plaque sits below your gums.
- This plaque then hardens and becomes tartar.
- If this tartar remains, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth creating pockets. These pockets cannot be cleaned by conventional means.
- If left untreated, the bone and tissues that anchor your teeth will start to be destroyed.
- As bone is lost, your teeth will begin to shift from their normal position, become mobile, and can eventually be lost.
2) What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is often called a "silent disease" because there may not be any symptoms you are aware of. Some symptoms you may experience include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth which causes your teeth to appear longer
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
3) What causes this disease?
There are many factors that cause periodontal disease. The main cause is plaque (bacteria) and your body's response to the bacteria. Issues such as genetics, your immune system, smoking, diabetes, oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits all may play a role in the extent of the disease.
4) How is it treated?
There are many different methods of treating gum disease, including both nonsurgical and surgical methods. The methods used are dependent on the severity of your disease. Non-surgical methods include, but are not limited to, scaling and root planing (or deep cleanings), better hygiene, frequent maintenance intervals, and antibiotic therapy. If you are in the advanced stages of gum disease, you may benefit from having surgery. All procedures performed in this office to treat periodontal disease are based on evidence-based research. We are aware of many types of products that are marketed to curing periodontal disease, especially without the use of surgical therapy. While these may sound like a good option, most of these highly marketed products do not have sufficient research to back their claims and are not supported by the American Academy of Periodontology or the American Dental Association. For more information, you can go to the American Academy of Periodontology’s website to learn more (http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease.htm). If you have any questions about a product or procedure that you’ve heard of, please discuss it with Dr. Berube at your evaluation.
5) "I have heard about lasers and medicated trays to treat gum disease. Are these an option?"
They are always an option, however, they are not offered in this office at this time. The treatment performed here is based on evidence-based research and is supported by the American Board of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. Until there is more research to support their use, traditional means of treating gum disease will be used. We do, however, use a laser-like device in the treatment of small muscle pulls, biopsies and the removal of gum tissue. We can discuss these modalities in detail if you have any further questions about it.
6) I've heard that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease and other systemic conditions. Is this true?
Yes. There are many conditions that have been linked to gum disease. These include, but are not limited to, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, smoking, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications, and stress. Inflammation is the key that links all of these processes together. Now, more than ever, it is important to not only maintain a healthy body, but also a healthy mouth as well. Please see our medical information tab for more information.
