What is Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, ligaments and bone that support the teeth and anchor the jaw. The bacteria which act mainly on certain carbohydrates in our diets are normal inhabitants in our mouths, living in a thin film called plaque. If this plaque is left undisturbed, it may eventually harden into tartar a hard mineral shell. When plaque builds on the tartar surface, it irrates and erodes healthy gun tissue. This early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, pockets begin to form between the teeth and gum tissues. When supporting bone becomes badly eroded, tooth loss can result. This stage is called periodontitis.

How can Periodontal Disease affect me?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While most people do not think that this disease affects them, over 75% of adults over 35 years of age show signs and symptoms of this disease.

Recent studies have shown a possible link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory in support of this is that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease enter the bloodstream and promote blood cots and narrowing of the arteries that cause heart attacks.

It has also been shown that a women, who developes severe periodontal disease during pregency, is more likely to give birth to a low weight infant. Research is now linking periodontal disease to other health problems as well.

What are the symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Because gum disease is painless until its final stages, it often goes unnoticed. However, there are many indicators of potential periodontal disease. Here is what to watch for:

1. Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
2. Red, swollen or tender gums
3. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
4. A metallic taste or persistent bad breath
5. A discharge between your teeth and gums
6. Loose of seperating teeth
7. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
8. A change in the fit of partial dentures
   

In the early stage simple procedures like root planing, scaling and regualr daily care are sufficient to stop the further growth of bacterial plaque. However if the Periodontal Disease has advanced significantly, more sophisticated care is needed.

What are the risk factors that foster Periodontal Disease?

1. Smoking is a mojor risk to your oral health. Tobacco harms oral tissues and depletes Vitamin C and other nutrients that resist periodontal disease.
2. A diet high in sugars and other sticky and gummy carbohydrates and low in the minerals and vitamins needed for healthy teeth gums and bone.
3. Hormonal changes during pregency increase the blood supply to certain tissues in the body including the gums. As a result, 30 to 60% of pregnant women experience red, tender or bleeding gums.
4. Pre-existing gum disease, even in the early stages can make these symptoms more severe. Older women and those with osteoporosis are also at greater risk.
5. Stress can also be a contributing factor because it diminishes your body's ability to fight infection. Diabetes, AIDS and other health conditions can lower resistence to gum disease.

How can I prevent Periodontal Disease?

1. Brush your teeth twice a day. Hold the brush at 45 degree angle to the gum line and gently clean where the gums meet your teeth.
2. Clean between your teeth at least once a day with dental floss.
3. Eat a balanced diet.
4. Vist your dentist regularly.
5. Obtain special periodontal care when needed.
   

   Taking care of yourself before Periodontal Treatment:
   Eat a nutritious meals the night before and the day of the appointment.
   Avoid the ise of alcoholic beverages
   Of taking full doses of Aspirin (325mg) for medical reasons, please discontinue one week prior. Low doses of Aspirin (81mg) are fine.

   One hour before the appointment:
   Take Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) if recommended
               400mg for an Adult and 200mg for children under twelve.
               Or
               Tylenol #1 for a child under twelve.

   You should plan on resting for the remainder of the appointment day.