What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a term describing infection of the tissues which surround a tooth. There are two types of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: an infection and inflammation of the gums around the neck of a tooth
Periodontitis: an infection of the ligament and bone surrounding the root of a tooth
Gingivitis occurs when plaque is allowed to build up around a tooth and create a sticky layer which causes a gum infection. Signs of gingivitis include redness, swelling and bleeding of the gum around your tooth.
Periodontitis occurs in susceptible patients when a long-term gum infection is not treated. Infection and resultant inflammation lead to the loss of ligaments and bone around the root of your tooth.
Factors which significantly increase the risk of developing periodontitis include:
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Medications (certain anti-seizure, blood pressure, and immunosuppressant medications)
- Stress
- Poor Oral Hygiene
How can I minimize my risk of periodontal disease?
To minimize your risk of future periodontal disease, you must be mindful of the risk factors stated above. Gingivitis is usually well managed by adopting excellent oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis is more difficult to manage.
Protocols recommended by your dentist may include:
- Root cleaning (scaling and root planing) at the appropriate intervals to manage your risk for bone loss
- Antibacterial mouth rinses
- Oral antibiotics
- Customized home care instruction
- Smoking cessation counseling
Other recommendations a dentist may make include non-surgical or surgical periodontal therapy. Surgical periodontal therapy involves recontouring of gum and bone around affected teeth to allow better access for professional root cleaning and daily home care
Untreated and uncontrolled periodontitis will lead to increased bone loss and eventual tooth loss; ultimately affecting your ability to eat and speak. There are also connections between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of the body such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In pregnant women, periodontal disease is strongly linked to preterm, low birth weight.
How can an existing bite affect periodontal disease?
Bite problems on periodontally affected teeth can lead to accelerated periodontal disease and loosening of the teeth.
If signs of a bite problem are present, the following may be considered to balance your bite and relieve excess pressure on periodontally involved teeth:
- Bite therapies including deprogramming and equilibration
- Orthodontic repositioning of the teeth
- Replacement of worn or damaged teeth, fillings and missing teeth
- Use of a custom-fitted bite guard to protect from grinding or clenching forces
Still have questions about periodontal disease?
Contact Maestro Dental Wellness today and schedule an appointment. Maestro Dental Wellness is located at 225 Great Oaks Blvd. in Albany, NY. Follow @maestrodentalwellness on Instagram and Facebook.
