What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Gum disease starts as inflammation in the gums and soft tissues supporting the teeth. if untreated, this inflammation (periodontitis) can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Of greater concern is how this chronic inflammation impacts the patient's overall health. Recent studies link gum disease to more serious problems such as heart disease. In my practice I caution patients that untreated gum disease puts a burden on their immune system as the body fights an ongoing battle against the inflammation and bacterical colonies related to the gum disease. In our practice, we step back and view each patient holistically to see how their oral health impacts their overall health.

Who gets periodontal disease?

Anyone can have periodontal disease. The bacteria that causes the disease can be shared from one person to another by kissing, or by sharing eating utensils and/or drinking vessels. Our genetics play a role in how our body will react. Our practice performs ORAL DNA testing to identify the exact bacteria that is the cause of the periodontal disease. This allows us to treat the disease with the specific antibiotic or topical agent required to reduce or eliminate the bacteria that is the source of the infection. This is a new technology that was introduced in late 2008 and is not widely available. We believe that such testing allows us greater insight into your specific needs so we can provide you with the best care possible.

What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal health is easily overlooked as gum disease is a "silent disease." The clinical signs are not always obvious--sometimes until the problem is quite advanced. Some signs include--red, puffy gums that are tender to brushing or flossing; gums that bleed easily; loose tooth; bad breath that won't go away; or even pus from infected gum tissue. Your gums should appear uniformly pink (or normally pigmented) with a nice tight contour without bulges or swellings.