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In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden,
swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort.
Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis
is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home
care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time,
plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced
by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate
a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence
turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth
are broken down and destroyed. |
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| Gums
separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between
the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease
progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and
bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has
very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose
and may have to be removed. |
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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.
Smoking/Tobacco
Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many
serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease,
as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not
know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal
disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use
may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development
and progression of periodontal disease
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically
susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits,
these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal
disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before
they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early
interceptive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a
lifetime.
Pregnancy
and Puberty
As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You
know that brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular
exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also
know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra
care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example,
puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health
needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular
times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes
can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your
gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly
to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible
to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant
women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver
preterm, low birth weight babies.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious
conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other
health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is
a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates
that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight
off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and
certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as
you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of
all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall
health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding
Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night?
Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you're taking
a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your
teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the
teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal
tissues are destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in
the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin
production (a hormone that is the key component in the body's
ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to use
insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association,
approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more
than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you
are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections,
including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair
the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause
your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection
to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
Poor
Nutrition
As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can
compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the
body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is
a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition
of your gums.
Other
Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen
the condition of the gums. |
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Types
of Periodontal Disease
There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common
ones include the following.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes
the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is
usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is
reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral
care.
Mild Periodontitis
If gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, is left
untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In the mild stage,
periodontal diseases begin to destroy the bone and tissue that
support the teeth.
Moderate
to Advanced Periodontitis
Moderate to advanced periodontitis develops if earlier forms
of the disease like gingivitis and mild periodontitis are left
untreated. This is the most advanced form of the disease in
which extensive bone and tissue loss occurs.
Juvenile
Periodontitis
Localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) occurs in adolescents
and is characterized by the rapid loss of bone around permanent
teeth. Ironically, youngsters with LJP form very little dental
plaque or tartar. Generalized juvenile periodontitis is often
considered a disease of young adults, although it can begin
around puberty. It is characterized by marked inflammation and
heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Pockets can form
around the affected teeth, filling with infection. If not treated
early, infection can lead to bone loss which may cause the teeth
to become loose. |
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Treatment
of Periodontal Disease
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist
may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is
necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue
around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with
non-surgical treatment. Following are the four types of surgical
treatments most commonly prescribed:
• Pocket Reduction Procedures
• Microtherapy
• Regenerative Procedures
• Crown Lengthening
• Soft Tissue Grafts |
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