Understanding Periodontal Disease

If you have periodontal disease, it means that you have gum disease. Actually, most people have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal conditions can range from inflammation of the gums to more serious conditions that cause deterioration of the bones that provide teeth support. Teeth can be lost in severe cases of periodontal disease.

Bacteria plays a major part in why most people have gum disease. However, gum disease can become severe if good oral hygiene is not practiced regularly. Everyone's mouth is full of bacteria, mucus and particles of food. All of these join to form plaque. Plaque is a color-free sticky formation that covers teeth, and although it is normal to have some plaque problems, lack of proper oral hygiene causes the plaque to harden and deteriorate the teeth, as well as cause gum disease issues. Hardening of plaque forms tarter, which must be removed by dental professionals, regular brushing and flossing. These can help keep plaque from becoming tarter.

Gingivitis is a periodontal condition that is caused by bacteria, and it causes gum inflammation. The gums commonly become swollen, red and may bleed easily such as with brushing. Gingivitis is a relatively mild type of gum or periodontal disease, and, in the majority of cases, it can be reversed with regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular cleaning by a dental professional.

When gingivitis is not properly treated, it can worsen and become periodontitis. Periodontitis is when the gum inflammation surrounds the tooth. When a person has periodontitis, the gums will pull away from the teeth, which forms pockets or spaces that become abscessed or infected. The person's immune system will try to combat the bacteria as it grows below the gums. Bacterial toxins and the person's immune system then start to break down the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If not properly treated, the bones, tissue and teeth can be destroyed rapidly. Periodontitis can therefore cause teeth to loosen, and the teeth may have to be removed.

Some causes for gum- and periodontal-related disorders include:

--Tobacco use and smoking
--Fluctuating hormones
--High sugar usage
--Diabetes
--Medications
--Medical conditions and diseases

To prevent periodontal or gum disease, there are several things you can do, including:

--Flossing every day
--Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two full minutes
--Using a good fluoride toothpaste or rinse
--Not smoking or using tobacco products
--Regular dental examinations and cleanings

Symptoms of periodontal or gum disease include:

--Swollen or red gums
--Bleeding or painful gums
--Severe bad breath that is chronic in nature
--Discomfort or pain when chewing
--Loose or sensitive teeth
--Receding gum line

If you think you may have gum disease, you should seek out a dentist immediately for proper dental examination and treatment.

Scaling is one of the ways dental professionals can treat tarter problems. Scaling involves scraping the plaque off the teeth above and below the gum line.

Root planing smooths teeth's rough spots that can hide bacteria and prevent proper cleaning.

Sometimes surgery is needed for severe cases of periodontal disease.

Flap surgery is where the periodontist lifts back the gums in order to further clean deep pockets or severe tartar issues. After the flap surgery, the gums are then sutured back in place. Gradually, however, the gums will shrink and fit more snugly around the tooth.

Bone and tissue grafts can be done in conjunction with flap surgery, allowing the grafting of tissue and bone to mesh into pocket areas or where the bone or tissue has been destroyed.

Extensive oral or periodontal procedures should always warrant a second opinion.

If you think you may have any dental problem, you should seek out a dental professional immediately. In the majority of cases, if one problem is evident, several other dental problems may be hiding.

Sources:
"Types of Gum Disease," Perio.org.
"Gum Disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis Causes," WebMD.
"Gum Disease," TeensHealth from Nemours.