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Periodontal Health
Periodontal Disease | Causes of Periodontal Disease | Treatment | Therapy | Arestin
Periodontal Disease
 What exactly is Periodontal Disease?
Dental diseases (cavities and gum disease) are the most common diseases affecting people besides the common cold! With the addition of fluoride to our water and toothpaste, dental decay has almost become a problem of the past. But it took the addition of fluoride to win that battle. Brushing and flossing alone did not work. The same is true with periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing may not be enough.
What are Your Numbers?
A pocket 4mm or more in size may mean you have an infection. Our fully calibrated periodontal probe can give you a printout of your entire mouth (like an EKG).
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth.
Your teeth are supported by gum tissue (or gingiva), connective fibers called the periodontal ligament, that anchor the tooth root into its socket and bone.
When you have gum disease, your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem – there is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and the gums.
Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and it’s supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
You’re not alone. 75% of the population has some form of periodontal disease, but the majorities do not realize it.
Tooth brushing cleans the smooth surfaces of the teeth and is an excellent way to prevent cavities. Gum disease starts in between the teeth. Regular toothbrushes can’t reach critical areas and most people don’t or can’t floss effectively.
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that is reversible. However, periodontal disease is gum and bone disease. The infection has spread from the gums into the bone and permanent damage has occurred. There are several stages of this disease. If detected early, it can be controlled.
Periodontal disease is a serious infection. Evidence now links gum disease to a variety of health concerns including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other degenerative diseases that are life threatening. It’s not just about your teeth anymore!
Gum disease is due to a bacterial infection and your body’s response to that infection. Other factors that may put you at an increased risk are:
Family history, medications, age, gender, family transmission, smoking, prior gum disease, clenching/grinding, stress, osteoporosis, diabetes and hormones.
Periodontal disease may increase your risk for a variety of health concerns including:
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung infections, preterm birth, low birth weight infants, and respiratory diseases.
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