Number
One Reason for Early Tooth Loss
Periodontal (Gum)
Disease is the number-one reason for early, unnecessary tooth
loss. This disease is a condition that affects 75% of adults in
North America at some point in their lives, and is frequently
a problem in the thirties and beyond. You may have
the disease and not even know it—especially in the early stages—a
time when treatment is the simplest and most effective.
The early form
of periodontal disease, gingivitis, can begin as early as the
teenage years. The tissue around the teeth becomes red and swollen.
If not cared for, this can lead to the advanced form of periodontal
disease, periodontitis, which weakens the gums and bone structure
and can result in loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Plaque
Causes Breakdown of Gums
This silent disease
is caused by bacterial plaque; a sticky, colorless film that constantly
forms on teeth and gums. If the plaque isn't removed daily by
brushing and flossing, it releases poisons that cause the fibers
that hold your teeth to your gums to breakdown. The result is
the creation of pockets between the teeth and gums, which fill
up with even more
bacteria
and toxins. Further weakening of the gum tissue
and eventually weakening of the bone structure supporting
the teeth occurs. The disease is often
painless ("silent") until it reaches the most advanced
forms.
Early
Detection Is Important
Periodontal Disease
sneaks up slowly on you. It can develop with few warning signs.
Some signs of periodontal disease in its early stages are:
- Swollen or
tender gums, or gums that appear red instead of the normal pink
color.
- Gums that
bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
- Persistent
bad breath, or a constant bad taste in the mouth.
- Gums that
seem to be pulling away from the teeth.
- Teeth that are
loose or changing position.
When you come in
for your periodic hygiene appointment we may conduct a three
minute test, using a periodontal probe, as shown in the figure
above, to measure and map the distance between your teeth and
gums. This allows us to
determine if
pockets are forming and indicates whether further testing or
periodontal
treatment is necessary. Periodontal probing allows us to monitor
and track your oral health.
Risk
Factors for Periodontal Disease
Pathogenic
microorganisms affect different people with varying degrees
of severity. Certain risk factors are related to lifestyle, habits,
treatable systemic diseases and other controllable factors. On the
other hand, factors derived from genetic predisposition, congenital
immunodeficiencies, or other systemic conditions require greater
effort for the control of periodontal problems.
Effects
of Certain Drugs. Medications for specific systemic conditions
can lead to gingival enlargement, which encourages bacterial plaque
retention and thus increases
the potential for periodontal infections. These include the following
medications:
- Phenyltoin
(Dilantin) is used to treat seizure disorders and ventricular arrhythmias
- Cyclosporin
(Sandimmune) is an immunosuppressant
used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation
- Nifedipine
(Procardia) is used to treat hypertension, angina, and ultricular arrhythmias
Tobacco. Smoking
is a serious contributor to periodontal disease that affects millions
of Americans. About 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked
are missing teeth, but that number increases to 41% of daily smokers
over age 65 that are missing teeth.
The heat and tobacco
chemicals irritate tissue in the mouth killing cells, leading to
gum disease.
Smokers
do
not heal as well as non-smokers or former smokers following
periodontal treatment.
Smoking
can lead to increased bone loss and more severe periodontitis
as well as oral cancer. Oral tobacco (chew) leads
to severe recession of gum tissues and a high predisposition to
oral cancer.
Diabetes. Diabetes
leads to increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. Periodontal
treatment improves the metabolic condition of diabetes. A patient
with well controlled diabetes and healthy gums is not at greater
risk for susceptibility to infections, including periodontal disease.
Osteoporosis. A
link has been established between osteoporosis and periodontal
disease. Bone loss is a concern in the mouth, where the teeth
are securely held by the supporting jaw bone structure. Depletion
of estrogen after menopause can lead to dryness of the mouth,
which is not good for mouth tissue or teeth. Saliva lubricates
the teeth and gums. It is a self-cleansing tool. Saliva is also
an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent. It buffers
or neutralizes and protects against demineralization.
Psychosocial
Factors. Increased levels of social strain are found in patients with periodontal
disease.
What You Can
Do
- Brush your
teeth and gums to remove food particles and plaque from
your teeth at least twice a day. You also should brush your
gums
to stimulate them. And be sure to gently clean your tongue
to remove bacteria that may be on the tongue's surface.
- Floss between
your teeth to remove food particles which may be lodged there
and to remove plaque from above and below your gum line. This
will also help prevent tarter buildup.
- Use of a mouthrinse
will also reduce the bacteria that form plaque and tarter
and freshen your breath. Listerine has been shown to reduce
bacteria in the mouth.
- Avoid
all tobacco products, and excessive use of alcohol
- Avoid
sweet, sticky foods between meals
- Be sure
to schedule your regular professional cleaning appointment
and checkup at our dental office.
For
instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques click
here How to brush and floss
What We Can
Do
- To assist
with early detection periodontal screening is a part of your
routine oral checkup.
- We can
remove tarter and calculus, the hard calcium deposit formed
over time
when plaque collects and hardens.
- Scaling
and Root Planing. We will remove plaque and tarter deposits
that
have built up above and below the gumline (scaling) and
then smooth the surfaces of the teeth (root planing) to
help prevent future bacterial deposits.
When periodontal
disease progresses to more advanced stages your dentist may
prescribe more advanced treatment.
If
you have questions about the condition of your gums please
discuss your concerns with
your dentist or hygienist during your next visit to our
office.
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