You Could Have Periodontal Disease and Not Even Know It!

By Dr. Gianino

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is quite stealthy…it is one of those afflictions that takes hold in your body and you don’t even know it’s there until it has already done some severe damage to your teeth, tissues, bones and even your overall health. In fact, 70 percent of tooth loss is attributed to gum disease. And periodontal disease has been shown to do much more damage than just to your oral health; it has been linked to strokes, heart disease, diabetes and pre-term, low birth-weight pregnancies.



There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to gum disease such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, female hormonal fluctuations (such as in pregnancy and menopause), genetic predisposition, a diet high in sugar, stress, substance abuse and some medications. But the most common and most easily controllable factor in periodontal disease is the sticky, colorless film in your mouth known as plaque. This bacterial plaque releases toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond your gums to your teeth. When this occurs pockets can form between your teeth and gums giving the bacteria a place to hide as they do their destructive work on your teeth, gums and the bones beneath your teeth.



There are basically four stages of periodontal disease:



-Gingivitis – Gums are inflamed



-Early Periodontitis – An infection has begun to destroy the bone that holds your tooth or teeth



-Moderate Periodontitis – Significant bone loss is occurring



-Advanced Periodontitis – Severe bone loss has occurred



If you currently have any of the following symptoms, there is a good chance that you have advanced periodontal disease and a trip to your dentist is imperative, not only for your oral health but your overall health as well.



-Gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleeding



-Sensitivity in your teeth



-Pain when you chew



-Loose or separating teeth



-Gums that have pulled away from your teeth



-A change in the way that your teeth fit together



-Persistent bad breath



-A change in how your partial dentures fit



-Pus between your teeth and gums



But the good news is that if you make regular trips to your dentist at least twice a year for a dental checkup, your dentist can find gum disease in even its very earliest stages and it can be treated and progression stopped. By working together with your dentist, you can ensure that periodontal disease will not have an opportunity to do any damage to your teeth or health.



To begin with, good daily oral hygiene habits are very important so that the bacterial plague that is constantly occurring in your mouth can be removed before it turns into tartar which can develop both above and below your gum line and cause deterioration and infections. Your dental professional can help ensure that you are brushing and flossing correctly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.



If your dentist does find indications of periodontal disease, there are a variety of treatments that can be used depending on the stage of the disease. Ideally, you want to prevent gum disease altogether and to do that, it is important that you maintain good daily oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist at least every six months so that if gum disease does get started, it can be found in its very early stages and stopped it in its tracks.



About the Author: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams - the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.



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