A Disease of Neglect

Periodontal Disease is a big name for GUM DISEASE, the major cause of tooth loss in adults today. Periodontal Disease is caused by plaque...a sticky, colorless, almost invisible film of bacteria which attacks the gums around the teeth and tooth-supporting bone. (PERI meaning "around" and DONTAL meaning "teeth"; PERIODONTAL - "around the teeth").

What to Watch for: the kinds of Periodontal Disease.

GINGIVITIS is the superficial, early stage of Periodontal Disease. Gums are inflamed, red and tender - a condition caused by plaque. PERIODONTITIS is a more advanced stage of the disease. The tooth-supporting bone is being destroyed by attacking bacteria. Periodontitis has many forms: some cause bone loss slowly over many years, while others cause very rapid bone and tooth loss. The worst part about Periodontitis is that it can occur in forms that are only detectable by a detailed periodontal examination.

How will I know?

You may know you have Periodontal Disease if you notice any of these important signs which should be looked upon as WARNINGS.

• Bleeding gums or "pink toothbrush" after brushing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Chronic bad breath
• Any change in the fit of dentures or partial bridges
• Separating, loosening, or protruding teeth
• Longer looking teeth
• Aching or itchy gums

TO BE CERTAIN ABOUT PERIODONTAL DISEASE, ASK YOUR DENTIST OR PERIODONTIST TO EXAMINE YOUR GUMS CLOSELY.

Why me?

We know when the villain of beautiful, healthy teeth, plaque, accumulates and becomes calculus, or tartar, the gums and surrounding tissue become red and inflamed. The most important factor of Periodontal Disease is improper oral hygiene, but there are other factors that may also contribute to the disease. These factors include hereditary predisposition and hormonal imbalances of different types, diabetes, pregnancy, emotional stress and tension, thyroid problems, impacted food particles, smoking or chewing tobacco, poorly aligned teeth, poorly fitting caps (crowns), bridges or partial dentures, grinding of teeth, poor nutrition, anti-epilepsy drugs, steroids or anti-cancer drugs.

So now what?

Treatment for the different types of Periodontal Disease varies. In the early stages of Gingivitis, root planing and curettage, or scraping of the plaque, calculus and inflamed soft tissue in the pockets around the tooth with a special instrument called a curette, will help gums heal. Antibacterial medications (rinses, for example) may be needed. More advanced stages of the disease might call for surgical cleaning and/or repair of the gums, teeth, and bone. This treatment would require local anesthesia, cause little discomfort, and healing could be expected in 7-21 days. Antibiotics or other drugs may be prescribed.

Parents, tell your children.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN BE PREVENTED WITH GOOD, HEALTHY, DAILY, ORAL HYGIENE HABITS, WHICH START DURING CHILDHOOD. Children mimic everything they see. By observing parents and their daily oral hygiene routines of brushing twice a day, daily flossing and using other recommended dental hygiene techniques, as well as regular trips to the dentist...children will learn to prevent Periodontal Disease.

REMEMBER...Teeth are expected to last a lifetime!