Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a low-grade chronic bacterial infection. While everyone has bacteria in their mouth, not everyone develops gum disease. There are identifiable risk factors that can make it more likely for the bacteria in your mouth to result in destructive gum disease. We now know that due to these risk factors some patients can clean their teeth and visit the dentist religiously and still have gum problems.

Over time, bacteria tends to collect between the teeth and gum. If this debris is not adequately removed, the bacteria migrate deeper under the gumline. In a susceptible patient, a space or “pocket” forms between the tooth and gum. Once these pockets of bacteria form below the gumline, you cannot reach them even with good brushing and flossing.

The bacteria multiply and cause the gum cells to release a variety of substances that aggravate and inflame the gum tissues. The gum tissue and then the supporting bone are slowly destroyed. If enough bone tissue is destroyed, the teeth loosen and are eventually lost.

Gum disease rarely causes pain or any symptoms since the infection readily drains up through the gum. Often you cannot tell you even have gum disease until the gum is inspected and checked for pockets. It's like having termites in your house. Above the ground the house looks fine, but the foundation is slowly being destroyed without you even knowing it. It's the same way with gum disease. Just because it doesn't hurt doesn't mean all is well. Unlike looking for termites, we do not need to wait until damage has been done to tell if you have gum disease. We can detect gum disease early and prevent or repair its damage. You can keep watch also. Bleeding is a strong indicator of gum inflammation. Healthy gums do not bleed at all when brushed or flossed. If you have any gum bleeding when you clean your teeth, your gums are inflamed.

We now know that this ongoing bacterial infection in your mouth can have far reaching effects elsewhere in your body. When the gums are chronically inflamed, these bacteria can gain entrance into your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body. Gum disease increases your risk for heart disease. Gum Disease has been linked to pulmonary infections and gastric ulcer reinfection. Gum disease in diabetics makes control of blood sugar more difficult. Gum disease during pregnancy increases the risk for a pre-term, low birth weight baby. The American Academy of Periodontology's website ( www.perio.org ) has patient-oriented information concerning the increase risk for other health problems when gum disease is allowed to persist.

The progression of gum disease can be halted if the bacteria and debris are removed from these pockets. Traditionally, gum treatment consisted of cutting the diseased gum away with the hope that what would remain would heal and be healthy. Fortunately, a variety of new techniques have allowed us to successfully treat chronic gum infections much more conservatively.

Please consult our Periodontal Disease Therapy page for more information regarding our in-office treatment. Some patients have needs that require evaluation by a Periodontist (gum specialist), in which case we work very closely with his office. We will cover this in detail at your initial visit if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease. We are extraordinarily proud of our staff, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. They ensure that the patient's non-surgical, preventive maintenance and administrative needs are met as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health. Please don't hesitate to e-mail us if you have any questions regarding your care, or call us at 318-322-2013.