What Can Cause the Onset of Periodontal Disease?Persons with periodontal disease have weakened resistance to the types of bacteria associated with this disease process. Periodontal disease does not progress in a predictable linear fashion but rather tends to occur in episodic phases or in “bursts of activity.” Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the likelihood and severity of periodontal disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress or tension
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches more advanced stages. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.
These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
Facts and Fallacies of Gum Disease
FALLACY: Tooth loss is a natural part of aging.
FACT: With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, if left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and over.
FALLACY: People who have gum disease are "dirty" and don't brush their teeth.
FACT: Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
FALLACY: Gum disease doesn't affect overall health.
FACT: Emerging research links periodontal disease to other health problems including heart and respiratory diseases; preterm, low birthweight babies; stroke; osteoporosis; and diabetes.
FALLACY: Gum disease is a minor infection.
FACT: The mass of tissue in the oral cavity is equivalent to the skin on your arm that extends from the wrist to the elbow. If this area was red, swollen, and infected, you would visit the doctor. Gum disease is not a small infection. Its result, tooth loss, leads to a very different lifestyle—dentures. The changes in your appearance, breath, and ability to chew food are dramatic.
FALLACY: Bleeding gums are normal.
FACT: Bleeding gums are one of nine warning signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something is wrong. Other signs of gum disease include: red, swollen or tender gums; sores in your mouth; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; persistent bad breath; pus between the teeth and gums (leaving bad breath); loose or separating teeth; a change in the way the teeth fit together; and a change in the fit of partial dentures.
FALLACY: Treatment for gum disease is painful.
FACT: New periodontal procedures including local anesthesia and conscious sedation have made patients' treatment experiences pleasant and comfortable. Many patients find they are back to normal routines on the same day or by the next day.
FALLACY: Gum disease is easy to identify, even in its early stages, so my dentist would tell me if I had it.
FACT: Millions of people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. You should always get involved in your dental care, so that problems are detected in the early stages. You should inform your dentist if any signs of gum disease are present; or if any changes in your overall health or medications occurred in between visits. Most importantly, you should ask your dentist about your periodontal health and what method was used to evaluate its condition. This level of participation enables you to work in a team approach with your dentist to identify subtle changes that may occur in the oral cavity.
FALLACY: Once teeth are lost, the only treatment options are crowns, bridges or dentures.
FACT: Dental implants are a permanent tooth-replacement option for teeth lost to trauma, injury or periodontal disease. Dental implants are so natural-looking, and feeling that many patients forget they ever lost a tooth.
FALLACY: Cavities are the number-one cause of tooth loss.
FACT: Periodontal disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss. According to the American Dental Association/Colgate survey, U.S. dentists say gum disease is a more pressing oral health concern than tooth decay by a 2-to-1 margin.
FALLACY: Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to treat it.
FACT: Research demonstrates that antibiotics can be a helpful adjunct to treating periodontal disease. However, medical and dental communities are concerned about the overuse of these medications in treating infections because of the possibility of the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This overuse would be detrimental to patients if they develop a life-threatening illness for which antibiotics would no longer be helpful.
FALLACY: Pregnant women should skip professional dental checkups.
FACT: Teeth and gums are affected during pregnancy like other tissues in the body. In order to decrease the risk of damaging the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth, pregnant women should schedule an appointment for a periodontal evaluation.
Who is a Periodontist?
A general dentist is trained to detect and treat the early stages of periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as crown lengthening and dental implantation (see Our Services).
Dr. Ben Emerson is uniquely qualified as a dentist, periodontist and physician. In addition to providing leading edge, comprehensive implant and periodontal dentistry, Dr. Emerson is able to incorporate his experience as a physician to provide a comprehensive approach to the care of his dental patients.
The most important part of maintaining your oral health is conscientious personal oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing removes food particles and help prevent the buildup of bacteria on and around your teeth. This bacteria will otherwise accumulate and harden into a calcified layer of tartar or calculus. Soft bacterial plaque will eventually cause tooth decay. Both the soft and the hardened types of plaque lead to bone loss around the teeth.
Some tips for maintaining your oral health are:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, ideally after each meal.
Floss at least once a day.
Limit snacking in between meals and minimize the amount of processed sugars you consume.
Regular Office Visits
Regular visits allow your dentist to diagnose any problems early, monitor any areas at risk for decay, and remove the bacterial plaque that has built up over time. Dr. Emerson and his dental hygienists will also assess the health of the gums and other tissues in your mouth.
Each person may have individual needs or concerns. Your dental cleanings are also an opportunity for you to discuss these with us.
