What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease (also know as "gum disease" or
"Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection of the
gums, which gradually destroy the support of your
natural teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection
can cause you to lose your teeth. Periodontal infection
is responsible for 75% of adult tooth loss.
What is an ongoing bacterial infection?
When you were a child did you ever get a bad scrape
which got all red and swollen? That was because harmful
bacteria that got under your skin and caused an
infection. It may have lasted for days or even weeks.
Finally your immune system conquered the bad bacteria
and the infection went away.
With an ongoing infection, your immune system never
wins the battle. If you have periodontal disease, your
immune system has lost the battle with periodontal
bacteria to a point where you now have deep pockets of
infection around your teeth.
Why should I get my periodontal infection treated
right away?
People with periodontal disease have low resistance
to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum
infection which grows in "bursts" of activity. When your
infection has a burst of activity, or when there are
signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist
may recommend you see a periodontist.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Usually Periodontal Infection is painless until it
reaches more advanced stages. However there are some
symptoms which can indicate the presence of Periodontal
Infection.
These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at
other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together
when you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of
periodontal infection, please contact your general
dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.
Important Note: Your gums can look quite normal and
yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be
present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask
your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for
signs of infection.
What can accelerate Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number
of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by
the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless
film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not
carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque
hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus
(or tartar).
Other important factors affecting the health of your
gums include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
- Medication
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Poor/Faulty crowns and fillings
- Clenching and grinding teeth
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective
daily brushing and flossing as well as regular
professional examinations and cleaning. Unfortunately,
even with the most diligent home dental care, people
still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once
this disease starts, professional intervention is
necessary to prevent its progress.
Who is a Periodontist?
Your general dentist is trained in the detection and
treatment of the early stages of periodontal infection.
A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in
the diagnosis and treatment of the gums and bone around
your teeth, this includes periodontal infection, gum and
bone grafting, implants and many other treatments (see
the Procedures Section). Periodontics is one of 8
specialties recognized by the American Dental
Association.
Libertyville: 847 362-6650
