Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Over 75% of people over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. There are several disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque (a sticky, colorless bacterial film that constantly forms on your teeth) is the primary cause of gum disease. Periodontal DiseaseDaily brushing and flossing will prevent many periodontal conditions. However, highly susceptible individuals or people with established disease require professional intervention. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. Pockets develop around periodontally infected teeth which harbor bacteria that are responsible for disease progression. A healthy tooth has a pocket (sulcus) of 2 to 3mm in depth. Pockets greater than 4 mm in depth are not maintainable with daily tooth brushing. As a result, bacteria continue to accumulate and form tartar (a calcified layer of dental plaque). As pockets deepen and bacteria accumulate, periodontal disease becomes established. Unless professional treatment is performed, the likelihood of periodontal destruction is high.

Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is often asymptomatic and can progress to a very advanced stage with little or no warning. However, there may be some subtle indications that indicate all is not well, particularly if you are over age 30. If your gums are red and tender, if your gums bleed while brushing, if you have persistent bad breath, if your teeth have loosened or separated, if your bite has changed, or if your gums have receded you are likely to have some form of periodontal disease.

Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

This is the mildest form of gum disease and is basically defined as inflammation of the gum tissue without destruction of supporting bone. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is driven by bacterial plaque and easily reversible with professional treatment supplemented by good oral home care.

Mild Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis. This is defined as the onset of soft tissue as well as bone destruction. There are typically little or no symptoms associated with this process. This is why early detection is so critically important.

Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis

As periodontal disease progresses from the mild form into more advanced forms, there is further tissue and bone destruction. This is when you may become aware of inflamed and tender gum tissue , looseness or drifting of teeth, or pain and infection. Many times teeth are beyond the point of definitive treatment if a diagnosis is originally made when periodontal disease is advanced.

Aggressive Periodontitis

A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases

Periodontititis associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. This type of periodontitis is often associated with a young age of onset.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. 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 progression.

Other Important Factors Affecting the Health of Your Gums

  • Smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease than non-smokers. They are also more likely to suffer from more aggressive forms of periodontal disease. Healing following periodontal therapy may take more time.
  • Diabetes: Periodontal disease can be more aggressive in nature and less responsive to treatment than in non-diabetics. Additionally, untreated periodontal disease can make medical management of your diabetes more difficult.
  • Stress: Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off any infection, including periodontal disease.
  • Clenching and grinding teeth: These habits can generate excess force on the teeth that may increase the rate at which periodontal disease progresses.
  • Medications: There are many medications, such as antidepressants and heart medicines which can directly affect your oral health.
  • Poor nutrition: Without a balanced diet, the body will have difficulty fighting infection.
  • Pregnancy and Puberty: Hormonal changes which occur during these times may cause the gums to become red and to bleed easily.

Periodontal Disease can influence your General Health:

Evidence is now suggesting that periodontal disease can be a risk factor in cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease. People with periodontal disease are at greater risk of heart disease and have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than people without periodontal disease.

It is believed that bacteria that cause periodontal disease may cause small blood clots to form that can contribute to clogged arteries and build up of fatty deposits within the heart arteries.

Periodontal disease has now been shown to be a risk factor for having premature or low birthweight babies. Mothers with periodontal disease may be at a 7 times greater risk for having a premature or low birthweight baby.

Periodontal disease has been known for some time to be interrelated with diabetes. Bleeding gums, bone loss and an increase in pocket depths may be an early indicator of diabetes. Diabetics are more susceptible to periodontal disease and often require more periodontal care than non-diabetic patients. Periodontal disease activity is often related to the level of control of the diabetic patient's blood sugar.

Smoking and periodontal disease are linked as well. Smokers tend to develop periodontal disease earlier in life and they tend to experience earlier tooth loss. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the surrounding bone of the tooth. The intense heat and toxins produced during smoking can also affect the bacterial composition of the mouth and the body's immune response to periodontal bacteria. Smoking reduces the effect of periodontal therapy regardless of the level of oral hygiene.