Who gets periodontal disease?

There are several factors that increase the risk of someone developing periodontal disease. A few of these are:

1. People who smoke or chew tobacco

2. People who have systemic diseases such as diabetes, cancers, blood cell disorders, and HIV to name a few.

3. People who take many medications such as steriods, cancer drugs, blood pressure drugs, oral contraceptives, and any medication that causesa dry mouth.

4. Dental bridges that don' t fit properly

5. Puberty, Pregnancy, and oral contraceptives

6. Genetics

7. Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples by saliva.

What do I do if I think I have gum disease?

If you think you have gum disease the best thing to do is call a dentist and get an appointment to be evaluated to be treated.

What treatments are available for gum disease?

Gum disease treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught very early (when it is gingivitis), and no damage has been done, you may simply be given instructions on improving your hygiene after a routine teeth cleaning. If the disease process has developed and is more severe, a special cleaning called scaling and root planning must be performed. This involves removing plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This helps the gum tissue to heal and the pockets to shrink. This special cleaning is sometimes referred to as "periodontal " or "deep cleaning ". This type of cleaning generally takes more than one dental visit to complete.

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth. As tissues are damaged, the sulcus developes into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss. The enlarged pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss.

What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?

Several warning signs can signal a problem.

1. Gums that bleed easily

2. Red, swollen, or tender gums

3. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

4. Persistant bad breath

5. Pus between the teeth and gums

6. Loose or separating teeth

7. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

8. A change in the fit of partial dentures