Also called gum disease, periodontal disease can be a silent, painless disease that can cause serious problems if left unchecked. Periodontal disease can lead to permanent tooth loss and even an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Because the disease is often painless, it's important to conduct regular "self checks" for symptoms that, if present, should prompt you to see your dentist.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The main cause is plaque - the same culprit that causes decay and cavities. Left untreated, plaque builds up around the gum line, leading to red, swollen gums and a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated with regular brushing, flossing, and the use of an antibacterial mouth rinse.
However, if gingivitis continues to go untreated and worsens, it leads to gum disease. In periodontal disease, the gums separate from the teeth and create "pockets" in which bacteria and plaque enter, causing serious infections.
These infections can lead to bone deterioration. With a weakened jawbone, the tooth cannot stay "anchored" into the bone and may become loose and eventually fall out. Gum disease can also lead to an increased risk for heart disease and stroke due to oral bacteria from the infected pockets entering the blood stream. Research has shown that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without.
"Self Check"
Symptoms of periodontal disease may include bad breath, gums that bleed and become infected, red, or swollen, a smile that shows the gums pulling back from the teeth, and teeth that are loosening - possibly even that fall out on their own or need to be extracted. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away.
Some additional predispositions that may put you at risk are if you smoke, have diabetes, take oral contraceptives, grind or clench your teeth, or are under severe stress.
As with any good oral hygiene routine, it's important to brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse every day as directed by your dentist. Most importantly, see your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Flap Surgery
If you have advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend "flap surgery" to correct the problem. Flap surgery can be highly effective at reducing the size of pockets and reshaping the gums to fit more snugly around the base of the tooth.
For the procedure, the dentist separates the gum from the tooth and folds it back like a "flap" to expose the root and bone. Inflamed tissue, plaque, and tartar are removed and the gum replaced and anchored down around the tooth. The ultimate goal is to reshape the bone to allow the gum to grow more snuggly around the base of the tooth.
Periodontal disease is a serious disease that silently affects more than 50 million Americans. Follow good oral hygiene habits including regular dental visits and conduct self checks to see if you are at risk for developing gum disease.
Author Resource:-
Chris Harmen writes for City Dental, Los Angeles dentists specializing in cosmetic and general dentistry with a commitment to the highest standards in patient care.
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