Periodontal Disease
Get to know your enemy
Unless you have regular
dental checkups, you may not be aware that you have a periodontal disease.
Once present, however, periodontal diseases can seriously damage your gums
and bone, possibly leading to tooth loss. There are several types of periodontal
diseases. They begin with bacterial infections that invade the gums, bone
and ligaments supporting the teeth. Periodontal diseases are often painless
and usually develop slowly but can progress rapidly.
Periodontal disease is not limited to any particular age group. Everyone is
susceptible. More than half of all people over age 18 have at least the early
stage of some type of periodontal disease. After age 35, the probability increases
to about three out of four. Even children as young as five or six can have
signs of these diseases. Good oral hygiene is the key to stopping the development
and progression of periodontal disease.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Go behind enemy lines
Periodontal diseases are
caused by certain types of bacteria in plaque the sticky, colorless film that
constantly forms on teeth. These bacteria create toxins (poisons) which irritate
the gums and weaken the attachment of gum tissues to the teeth.
Over a period of time, these toxins inflame gum tissues, allowing the infection
to progress to the underlying bone. Plaque also combines with other materials
and hardens into a rough, porous crust called calculus (tartar). Calculus
on the tooth surface may not contribute to periodontal diseases; but calculus
on the root surface, below the gums, makes the removal of new plaque and bacteria
more difficult. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove calculus deposits
during a professional cleaning.
Periodontal Probing
Start the Attack
Don't let the name scare
you. A periodontal probing is actually a simple procedure that can save you
from more serious problems.
Your dentist will inspect your gums for any signs of disease during a routine
exam. X-rays may be taken to check for bone damage. Yet even when these steps
are taken, some damage from gum disease may go undetected.
Periodontal probing lets your dentist assess the health of your gums. Using
a thin, marked instrument, your dentist or dental hygienist measures the depth
of the gum pocket in six places around each tooth by gently probing down between
the tooth and gums.
In most cases, a probe that stops at one to three millimeters indicates healthy
gums, while four or more millimeters signals the start of gum disease. As
the numbers go up, so does the severity of the problem.
A periodontal probing gets at the problem early by detecting the beginnings
of the disease in time to head off major problems. Gum disease is so silent
that the first sign for many patients is bleeding and pain. By the time you
reach this level, you could actually lose one or more teeth. Good preventive
care at home, along with regular dental visits, will help reduce or eliminate
the problems that are associated with periodontal disease.
Good Oral Hygiene
Your best self defense
Your teeth can last a
lifetime with proper care. Neglect usually leads to periodontal diseases which
are the major cause of tooth loss, in four out of every five adults. Thorough,
daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings are ways to
avoid these problems. Eating a balanced diet that includes the four basic
food groups, also helps the body and your mouth fight off these diseases.
Regular professional cleanings are essential to prevent periodontal disease.
Daily care of your mouth and recognition of the warning signs are your responsibility.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your dentist immediately:
Keep in mind, you may
not experience any of these symptoms and still have periodontal disease. Regular
dental checkups, including a periodontal exam, will help you prevent any future
deterioration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||