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Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) 

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Periodontal diseases attack the tissues that protect the tooth. This includes the bone which holds the tooth in place and the gingival tissues (gums) that cover the bone and surround the tooth. These diseases affect all age groups; however, after the age of 35, such disease is the greatest cause of tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease. It begins as an inflammation in which the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. The primary cause is the irritation of these tissues caused by plaque, or calculus (tartar), or both.

If detected at this stage, and treated promptly, the gingival tissues will return to normal. A good program of personal oral hygiene can prevent a recurrence.

If untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis which is also called pyorrhea. Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive disease.

To the untrained eye it may still look like gingivitis but it is differentiated by its severity. Some of the symptoms of periodontitis are:

•  Gingival recession in which the gums seem to shrink away from the tooth. This exposes the sensitive neck of the tooth and the cementum which covers the root. Because cementum is soft, this area is susceptible to tooth decay.
•  Periodontal pockets are areas of the gingival sulcus which are greater than 3mm. in depth. Food and calculus can lodge here as local irritants. Also, bacteria are sheltered here and can cause infection and further destruction.
•  Loss of supporting bone. Chronic periodontitis is a particularly serious condition because of changes that occur in the bone. As the disease progresses there is destruction (resorption) of the bone which supports the teeth. In the final analysis, it is the destruction of bone that is responsible for the loss of the teeth.

There are many causes of periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene is a primary cause. So too are local irritants such as smoking or the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. Systemic causes including nutrition and a high level of stress have also been implicated.

Your cooperation is the key in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. You should see us regularly so that any disease will be detected and treated before it reaches the more serious destructive stage. Also important is regular professional cleaning of your teeth to remove all irritating calculus (tartar).

Equally important is your personal oral hygiene program to assure that all plaque is removed daily. We will teach you the method best suited to your needs.

Advanced periodontal diseases can be treated and often the teeth can be saved. We may refer you to a specialist (periodontist) for this care. Again, your cooperation throughout treatment is a very important factor in its success or failure.