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Per·i·o·don·tal (adj) relating to or affecting the tissues (gums) that surround the neck and root of a tooth.
Advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It can also cause bone loss, infection, "gum cavities," and severe pain. Some studies have suggested a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to adverse events, such as heart attack and stroke. If damage is severe enough and infection is not controlled by conservative treatment and therapy, surgery may be required.
Serious But Stoppable. Although gum disease is terribly
pervasive, it is also preventable. Conservative estimates report
that up to 80% of all people suffer from some level of chronic
gum disease. What's worse is that this disease is responsible
for up to 70% of adult tooth loss. Unfortunately, the early
signs of gum disease are both silent and serious, requiring the
trained eye of a dentist to detect, treat, and arrest gum
inflammation and infection. However, once arrested, you can
prevent gum disease from recurring... simply by developing
healthy hygiene habits.
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Bacteria, Poor Choices, & Uncooperative Genes.
Several factors contribute to periodontal disease, including plaque build-up, lifestyle choices, and heredity. The most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque - the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Unhindered, they releasetoxins that break down the natural fibers holding your gums to your teeth, allowing even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Over time, this process can permanently damage or destroy the affected tooth, tooth root, and even the jawbone! Further, plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar - a rough, porous irritating substance that brushing does not remove.
Poor lifestyle choices can also affect the body's ability to fight infection and irritation in the gum tissue area. Poor nutrition, stress, leukemia, AIDS, & diabetes all reduce the body's natural ability to ward off periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco also greatly irritate the gum tissue, inviting disease.
Heredity. Some people are simply born with a low resistance to gum disease. All of this explains why we carefully check for the warning signs at every visit: red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, bite changes, and/or a change in the fit of partial dentures. These symptoms are often overlooked increasing the importance of regular dental exams.
DID YOU KNOW >>
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