PERIODONTAL DISEASE Management

Periodontal or gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among Australian adults and is the most common disease in the world with estimates suggesting that 3 out of every 4 people unknowingly have some form of the disease.

Gum Disease is a transmissible, bacterial infection that can destroy the attachment fibres and supporting bone that holds teeth in your mouth.

It is caused by plaque, a colourless film of bacteria that forms on our teeth. A person’s reaction to the bacteria determines the severity of the resulting disease. Our ability to fight this infection can vary from day to day; week to week, depending on what else is going with our life and health.

Plaque is most harmful when these bacteria form into colonies, which takes about 24 hours. If not removed daily, plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products in saliva. Plaque irritates the gums causing them to become red, tender and swollen. If not removed, the plaque hardens to form calculus (tartar) around the necks of the teeth.

Eventually, the tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth is destroyed by the irritants in the plaque, the gums pull away from the teeth and small pockets form between the teeth and gums. These products become filled with more plaque. Finally, the jawbone supporting the teeth is destroyed.

Normal Healthy Tissues

Gingivitis

Early Periodontitis

Advanced Periodontitis

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE?

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have receeded or pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Pus between your teeth and gums when you press your gums with your finger
• Teeth that seem loose or change position, often the front teeth tend to "fan" out
• A change in your bite
• A change in the way your partial dentures fit

RISK FACTORS IN GUM DISEASE

• Smoking
  numerous studies show that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have higher levels of calculus in the mouth and experience more tissue irritation which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Tobacco users have more bone loss and heal slower than non-smokers.
• Stress
  There is a definite link between stress and dental health. When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
• Poor oral hygiene
  The more plaque growth, the higher the risk of gum disease in susceptible patients.
• Hereditary gum problems – There is a definite link between some forms of gum disease, a person’s immune response and our hereditary. Genetic factors also contribute to a higher risk of gum disease.
• General health
  The presence of other illnesses or diseases like diabetes and heart disease affects our ability to fight gum infections.
• Iatrogenic factors / anatomy
  Rough fillings, crowded teeth, shape of teeth, anything that makes it difficult to remove plaque thoroughly contribute to an increase risk of gum disease.
• Hormones
  hormonal changes in pregnancy and women taken birth control pills effect the gums and causes sensitivity that may make them more susceptible to gum infection. Many women report a higher incidence of bleeding gums during pregnancy.
• Medications
  Certain drugs may affect the gums and cause swelling ( ie dilantin ) or dry the flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is very important in preventing dental disease. Dry mouth increases plaque build up and leads to difficulty in brushing and flossing which creates a greater risk for gum disease.
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
  These habits put abnormal stress on the teeth and can also put stress on the supporting structures of the teeth, the gums and bone.
• Poor diet
  Gums, like the rest of our body needs good nutrition to be healthy. Poor diet can make gum tissue vulnerable to infection and resistant to proper healing. What you eat and the vitamins you take have an effect on your gums.

One or two of these factors can greatly increase your risk of developing gum problems but with a healthy lifestyle and regular dental care, we can help you prevent the diseases which lead to tooth loss and help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

TREATMENT

Fortunately, periodontal infection can now be detected and treated early! Periodontal infection is not curable but it is controllable. Each time you see the hygienist they will do a periodontal evaluation to detect early signs of this infection. With early detection of the infection it can be controlled non-surgically. If the infection has progressed, surgical intervention may be necessary to control it.

We are excited about our ability to detect this infection early and to be able to offer you non-surgical therapy.

The single most important factor in slowing or stopping the disease’s progression is the control of bacteria. This is often accomplished by the removal of plaque. We use the latest instruments and medications to reduce the bacteria levels and toxins to a point where your immune system can control the infection. Our hygienists will assist you with specific instructions on your home care, as your active participation with removal of bacteria at home is critical to the control of the infection.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND OVERALL HEALTH - THE MOUTH BODY CONNECTION

The concept of periodontal disease as a local entity affecting only the teeth and supporting tissue is increasingly being questioned. Recent medical studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are...

• Four times more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease
• One to two times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack
• Nearly three times more likely to suffer a stroke
• Run the risk of contracting infective Endocarditis if they have a heart valve alignment
• If diabetic, more likely to experience difficulty in controlling their blood sugar levels
• Increase a woman’s risk of having pre-term low birth weight babies
• Cause some stomach ulcers
• Increase the risk of pneumonia
• Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by respiratory disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis

When our hygienist does a periodontal evaluation we have your overall health as well as your dental health in mind. So if you value your overall health and the health of your loved ones, regular visits to our hygienist for professional cleaning represents a very good idea.

GUM DISEASE A TRANSMISSABLE INFECTION!

Research suggests the bacteria that cause gum disease can pass through the saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva between people and especially families puts children and couples at risk for contracting gum disease from another person or family member.

That is why if one member of the family has gum disease we recommend that the entire family be screened for evidence of gum disease. This way you either prevent the disease from being passed on to your loved ones or successfully treat the disease if present.