Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know

Periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. The main cause of these diseases is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth.

If plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus (tartar) in less than two days. Calculus is so hard that it can only be removed during a professional cleaning. If calculus develops below the gums onto the tooth root, it makes plaque removal more difficult, leaving patients at increased risk of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases can affect one tooth or many teeth. For example, the front teeth may not show signs of periodontal diseases while a tooth in the back of the mouth may become loose due to severe disease progression.

Other factors that often contribute to periodontal diseases include smoking, pregnancy, stress, certain medications, clenching or grinding the teeth, diabetes, poor nutrition, and systemic diseases.

Signs of periodontal diseases include:

- bleeding gums during brushing

- red, swollen, or tender gums

- gums that have pulled away from the teeth

- persistent bad breath

- pus between the teeth and gums (leaving a bad taste)

- loose or separating teeth

- a change in the way the teeth fit together when the patient bites

During dental examinations, the gums and bone support should always be checked for the presence of disease. A small measuring device is gently placed between the tooth and the gum to access the periodontal health. Current x-rays also are viewed to observe the health of the bone below the gums.

Whatever the treatment may entail, the goal is to return the patient to good oral health and help the patient to maintain a more youthful appearance, the ability to chew food more easily, and most importantly, healthy gums that are free from infection.

How Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

To keep our teeth for a lifetime, we must remove the plaque from the teeth and gums every day by brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are also important. A professional cleaning at least twice a year is necessary to remove calculus from places the toothbrush, floss, and other cleaning aids may have missed. Good oral hygiene and regular professional care are the keys to preventing periodontal diseases. Our teeth were meant to last a lifetime, and with a little tender, loving care, they can.

For more useful information about Periodontal Diseases visit www.perio.org a web site by the American Academy of Periodontology.

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