Periodontics Articles

Understanding & Arresting A Stealthy Enemy

Up to 80% of the population unknowingly has chronic, significant gum disease. Characterized by a persistent bacterial infection surrounding one tooth or several teeth, gum disease causes little discomfort and produces few obvious symptoms. You see, gum disease begins small and initiates a series of increasingly serious oral hygiene conditions that can easily and imperceptibly lead to full-blown periodontitis, tooth and bone loss. 

Who is at risk? Any of the following conditions greatly exacerbate the risk of gum disease: smoking, tobacco use, hormone fluctuations, stress, some medications, bruxism, diabetes, poor nutrition, HIV, and any disease resulting in immunosuppression. Yet, even healthy individuals are at risk since everyone's mouth produces a continuous supply of sticky bacterial plaque. Plaque produces toxins, which harden into calculus or tartar and cannot be removed without professional treatment. Once hardened on the tooth surfaces, tartar irritates gum tissue, initiating an inflammatory response... the body attacks its own gum and supporting bone tissue. Furthermore, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth, creating deep 'pockets' and allowing bacteria even further into the tooth/root area. If this vicious cycle continues, more bone is lost, leading to tooth loosening, tooth loss, and/or extraction.

Early on, when redness, swelling, and bleeding are the only symptoms, we can treat and reverse gum disease non-surgically. Generally, treatment will include careful, individualized instruction regarding the most effective means of brushing and flossing at home. This strategy is accompanied by professional scaling or careful scraping of all affected tooth surfaces, gum pocket irrigation, and even local antibiotic placement in areas of significant irritation. These tactics often result in immediate improvement, including reduced swelling, redness, and pocket size. If, however, symptoms don't improve significantly, you may require surgical treatment.

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