Periodontal Disease

 If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should see your dentist. You may have periodontal (gum) disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults. More than half of all people over the age of 18 have periodontal disease. The older you are the more likely you are to have this problem. Almost two thirds of those over age 65 are affected by it. But even children as young as 5 or 6 can have the early stages of this disease. Periodontal disease is a sneaky enemy of your dental health. It develops slowly over many months or years. It is often painless. You may not be aware you have this disease until your teeth and gums have been seriously damaged. If you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime, you need to know the facts about periodontal disease.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The word "periodontal" comes from two Greek words that mean "around the tooth". Periodontal disease attacks the gums, bone, and other structures that hold the teeth in the jaw. If untreated, it can destroy the bony support of the teeth. The teeth will then become loose. Eventually, they may fall out or have to be removed.

WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The major cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth. Plaque is most harmful when the bacteria have had time to organize into colonies, which takes about 24 hours, These bacteria use the sugars and starches in our foods to make acids and other byproducts. The acids can cause tooth decay, The other byproducts irritate the gums and can lead to periodontal disease. To see how the byproducts of plaque can destroy gum tissues and bone, look at Figures 1 through 6. If plaque is not removed daily, it builds up along the gum line and turns into a hard deposit called calculus (tartar). Calculus makes it difficult to remove new plaque effectively.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Some warning signs of periodontal disease show up during early stages of the infection. Others appear after the disease has already done serious damage. If your gums bleed easily or are red, swollen, or tender, you may have gingivitis (inflamed gums), the beginning stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis can be halted by good oral hygiene and professional cleaning of your teeth. Too often people think that the early signs of periodontal disease are normal or merely temporary conditions. Don't make this mistake! Bleeding from the gums is a warning sign that you should take seriously.

If gingivitis is not treated, the disease enters its later stage, called "periodontitis:' In periodontitis, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets become filled with more plaque and pus, which makes the pockets deeper. Eventually, some of the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed. The teeth then begin to fit together differently or become loose. When that happens, surgical treatment may be needed to save them, or in severe cases they may have to be removed.

 

1. Healthy teeth.

 

 

2. The irritants in plaque cause red, swollen, bleeding gums.

 

 

3. Calculus collects under the gum line and makes plaque removal difficult. The gums pull away from the tooth.

 

 

4. Pockets form between the tooth and the gums. Plaque and its harmful byproducts move down along the tooth,
toward the roots.

 

5. Eventually, the bone that supports the tooth is destroyed.

 

6.The tooth becomes loose and falls out or must be removed.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

TO PREVENT PERIODONTAL DISEASE

  • Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day.
  • Eat well-balanced meals and limit snacks.
  • Carefully examine your teeth and gums. If you find any signs of periodontal disease, such as swollen gums that bleed easily or pus between the gums and teeth, see your dentist right away.
  • Visit your dentist regularly to have your mouth examined and your teeth professionally cleaned.

DON'T LET PERIODONTAL
DISEASE SNEAK UP ON YOU.
KEEP YOUR TEETH-THEY'RE
MEANT TO LAST A LIFETIME.