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What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious
infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal
means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection
that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That
is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations
are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and
how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential
to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between
your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for
a lifetime of healthy smiles.
How does my dentist diagnose Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that
surrounds the teeth. Most people who have periodontal disease aren't even
aware of it. It's rarely painful, especially in the early stages...
Alternatives to Gum Disease Treatment
If you have periodontal (gum) disease, your choices are limited. You may
either choose to treat the problem, or to delay treatment. Treatment involves
a combination of root planing, new homecare techniques, more frequent dental
cleanings, and in severe cases, surgery...
Gum Disease and Heart Attacks—Is There a Connection?
There is growing evidence that the presence of periodontal (gum) disease
can be linked to the incidence of coronary heart disease. Gums infected
with periodontal disease are toxic reservoirs of disease-causing bacteria.
The bacteria hide in pockets next to the teeth, where the gums have pulled
away from the tooth surface. When gums are this infected, they frequently
bleed...
Oral Bacteria from Gum Disease Can Cause Ailments Elsewhere in the Body
In one person's mouth, the number of bacteria can easily exceed the number
of people who live on Earth. This is according to Sigmund Socransky, a
dental researcher at the Forsyth Dental center in Boston, who also asserts
that in a plaque-free mouth, 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria live on each tooth
surface, but when plaque is present, as many as 100 million to one billion
bacteria may be growing on each tooth. It staggers the mind. But what does
it do to the body?...
Ultrasonic Scaling, Root Planning, and 3-Month Recare
The ultrasonic scaler To fight periodontal disease, we need to reduce plaque, tartar, and the number of bacteria in the pockets in your mouth. One device we use to remove calculus from teeth is an ultrasonic scaler. It consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small, quick vibrations in combination with a water flow give us a whole new level of effectiveness in calculus removal.
Adjunctive Therapy with Peridex, Periochip, and Periostat
CHLORHEXIDINE oral rinse (Peridex®, Periogard®) is used to treat gingivitis.
Bacteria that grow on your teeth between brushings cause gingivitis. Chlorhexidine
destroys this bacteria...Fortunately, we now have an effective treatment
called PerioChip that we apply directly to the infected area. PerioChip
fights periodontal disease and its tissue-destroying effects by reducing
the number of harmful bacteria in your gums...Periostat is taken not for
its antibiotic effect, but for its inhibiting effect on the bone-destroying
enzymes that are released by the body in response to periodontal disease.
Homecare for periodontal disease
How to care for your teeth when you have periodontal disease You probably
learned to keep your teeth plaque-free when you were a child. The techniques
and tools that were effective then are not sufficient to maintain your teeth
and gums now that ...
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