PERIODONTAL DISEASE

What is Periodontal Disease

Periodontics Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.

Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Healthy gums are important for a healthy body. Periodontal (gum) diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss as well as health problems, including higher risks for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Our doctors are board certified specialists in the treatment of periodontal disease.

There are a number of different types of periodontal disease entities which require different treatment approaches. This is why a specialist in periodontics is often best to treat the problem. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Other factors that can affect the health of your gums include:

Smoking or the use of tobacco
Pregnancy and Puberty
Diabetes
Stress

Medications
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Poor nutrition

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. But did you also know that smoking is a major contributor to gum disease? In fact, all forms of tobacco can adversely affect the health of your teeth and gums including cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, and hookah pipes.

Tobacco use has been shown to cause the following:

Increases the risk for oral cancer
Increases the risk for gum disease
Increases the risk for gum recession which can lead to tooth loss and root decay
Decrease rate of healing following oral surgery
Increased tartar development requiring more frequent and deeper cleanings

Why is oral hygiene so important?

The best way to prevent cavities and gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily including routine dental cleanings with your dentist or hygienist. For many people however, this isn’t enough, especially past the age of 35 when adults lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. Gum disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacteria or bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove the bacteria and help prevent Periodontal Disease. If plaque remains on your teeth however, it will turn into tartar and will require removal by the dentist or hygienist.

Periodontal Disease: What you should know

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common infections today. More than 75% of North Americans over 35 years of age have some form of periodontal disease.

Although many are infected, few know they actually have the disease. In a recent study, 8 out of 10 people surveyed believed they did not have periodontal disease, 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.

Periodontal diseases are painless until they reach an advanced stage. If left untreated, periodontal diseases can result in:

Red, swollen and bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Gum recession

Bone loss
Tooth loss
General health problems

In addition, uncontrolled periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk of developing heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and pre-term low birth weight infants for expecting mothers. Therefore, treating periodontal disease is a necessary component to keep your body healthy. Your health is important to us, so let us help you have the best health possible.

Periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Luckily, periodontal diseases are some of the most preventable diseases which is why it’s important to visit your Periodontist regularly.

These x-ray images show severe bone loss around all the teeth caused by periodontal disease. The loss of bone extends past the midpoint of the tooth roots and is obvious by the large black spaces between the teeth.