Periodontal Disease (also known as "Periodontal
Infection", "Gum
Disease" or "Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection
in the gums and bone which support your teeth. If not treated, this
ongoing infection can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting
in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal
infection.
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that got all
red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your
skin and started an infection. It may have lasted for days or weeks.
Finally your immune system conquered the bad bacteria and the infection
healed.
With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never
wins the battle and the infection grows. Periodontal disease is an
ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system
is losing the battle and, without treatement, it will get worse.
People with periodontal disease have low resistance
to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which
grows in "bursts" of
activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost.
Some factors which can cause a "burst" of activity are:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Dental Plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic Factors
- Stress or Tension
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are
signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend
you see a periodontist.
Usually periodontal infection is painless until it
reaches more advanced stages. However there are some symptoms which
can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.
These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at
other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when
you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection,
please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.
Important Note: Your
gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal
infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal
disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for
signs of infection.
Your general dentist is trained to detect and treat
the early stages of periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist
with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal
disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as;
crown lengthening and dental implants (see Procedures
Section ).
Periodontics is one of 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental
Association.
|
