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Preventing
Tooth
Loss
If Dr.
Reeves
diagnosed
you with
periodontal
disease
at your
last
appointment,
you are
not
alone.
Many
others
have the
same
problem.
You
don’t
have to
lose
teeth to
periodontal
diseases.
Brush,
clean
between
your
teeth,
eat a
balanced
diet,
and
schedule
regular
dental
visits
for a
lifetime
of
healthy
smiles.
What is
periodontal
disease?
What
causes
periodontal
disease?
Are you
at risk?
The
Periodontal-Systemic
Disease
Interralationships
How
would I
know if
I had
periodontal
disease?
Types of
periodontal
disease
How can
I
prevent
periodontal
disease?
Checking
for
periodontal
disease?
Treating
Periodontal
Disease
Periodontal
Surgery
Prevention
What is
periodontal
disease?
The word
peiodontal
literally
means
“around
the
tooth.”
Healthy
gum
tissue
fits
like a
cuff
around
each
tooth.
Where
the gum
line
meets
the
tooth,
it forms
a slight
v-shaped
crevice
called a
sulcus.
In
healthy
teeth,
this
space is
usually
three
millimeters
or less.
Periodontal
disease
are
infections
that
affect
the
tissues
and bone
that
support
teeth.
As the
tissues
are
damaged,
the
sulcus
develops
in to a
pocket
depth
and bone
loss.
The
enlarged
pockets
allow
harmful
bacteria
to grow
and make
it
difficult
to
practice
effective
oral
hygiene.
Left un
treated,
periodontal
diseases
may
eventually
lead to
tooth
loss.
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TOP
What
causes
periodontal
disease?
The
mouth is
filled
with
countless
bacteria.
Periodontal
disease
begins
when
certain
bacteria
in
plaque
(the
sticky,
colorless
film
that
constantly
forms on
the
teeth
and the
surfaces
lining
the
mouth)
produce
toxins
and
enzymes
that
irritate
the gums
and
cause
inflammation.
The
resulting
inflammation,
which
may be
painless,
can
damage
the
attachment
of the
gums and
the bone
to the
tooth.
Good
oral
hygiene-
brushing
twice a
day and
flossing
or using
another
interdental
cleaner
once a
day-
helps
reduce
the
plaque
film.
Plaque
that is
not
removed
regulary
can
harden
into
rough
porous
deposits
called
calculus,
or
tartar.
Tartar
is not
the main
cause of
periodontal
disease,
but the
pores in
tartar
hold
bacteria
and
toxins,
which
are
impossible
to
remove
even
with
regular
brushing.
Once the
hardened
tartar
forms,
it can
only be
removed
when the
teeth
are
cleaned
professionally
at the
office.
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Are you
at risk?
There
are
several
factors
that
increase
the risk
of
developing
periodontal
disease:
Studies
have
shown
that
people
who
smoke or
chew
tobacco
are more
likely
to have
periodontal
diseases.
Tobacco
users
are much
more
likely
than
nonusers
to form
plaque
and
tartar
on their
teeth.
They
also are
more
likely
to have
deeper
pockets
between
their
teeth
and gums
and
greater
loss of
bone and
tissue
that
support
teeth.
Gum
treatment
is also
less
successful
in
patients
who
continue
to
smoke.
-
Systemic disease, such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal disease more severe. (Systemic diseases are those diseases that can affect the body as a whole.)
-
Many medications- such as steriods, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, and oral contraceptives- can affect the gums. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva. Alack of saliva can result in a chronically dry mouth, which can irritate the soft tissues. Update your medical history files at the dental office, to include all medications and any changes that occur in yor health.
-
Bridges that no longer fit properly crooked, crowded teeth, or fillings that have become defective may hold plaque in place and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
-
Puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives change the body’s hormone levels. This can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to toxins and enzymes and can accelerate growth of some bacteria.
-
Genetic may play a role. Some patients may be predisposed to more aggressive, severe type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss or those who have parents wearing dentures should pay particular attention to their gums.
-
According to some studies, periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Research suggests that bacteria causing periodontal diseases are passed through saliva.
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The
Periodontal-Systemic
Disease
Interralationships
Tooth
loss is
not the
only
potential
problem
posed by
periodontal
diseases.
Research
suggest
that
there
may be a
link
between
periodontal
diseases
and
other
health
concerns
such as
diabetes,
cardiovascular
disease,
stroke,
bacterial
pneumonia,
and
increased
risk
during
pregnancy.
Researchers
are
trying
to
determine
if
bacteria
and
inflamation
associated
with
periodontal
diseases
play a
role in
affecting
these
systemic
diseases
and
conditions.
BACK TO
TOP
How
would I
know if
I had
periodontal
disease?
Unlike
tooth
decay,
which
often
causes
discomfort,
it is
possible
to have
periodontal
diseases
without
noticeable
symptoms.
That is
why
regular
dental
checkups
and
periodontal
examinations
are very
important.
Several
warning
signs
can
signal a
problem.
While
periodontal
diseases
may
begin
slowly
for some
patients,
others
may
develop
a
rapidly
progressive
form of
the
disease.
If you
notice
any of
the
following,
see Dr.
Reeves:
-
Gums
that
bleed
easily
-
Red,
swollen,
or
tender
gums
-
Gums
that
have
pulled
away
from
your
teeth
-
Persistent
bad
breath
-
Pus
between
the
teeth
and
gums
-
Loose
or
separating
teeth
-
A
change
in
the
way
your
teeth
fit
together
when
you
bite
-
A
change
in
the
fit
of
partial
dentures
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TOP
Types of
periodontal
disease
There
are many
types of
periodontal
diseases
and they
can
affect
individuals
of all
ages
from
children
to
seniors.
GINGIVITIS
is the
mildest
form of
periodontal
disease.
It
causes
the gums
to
become
red,
swollen,
and
bleed
easily.
There is
usually
little
or no
discomfort
at this
stage.
Gingivitis
is
reversible
with
professional
treatment
and good
oral
care at
home.
CHRONIC
PERIODONTITIS
is a
form of
periodontal
disease
that
results
in
inflammation
within
the
supporting
tissues
of the
teeth.
Patients
experience
progressive
loss of
tissue
attachment
and
bone.
Chronic
periodontitis
is
characterized
by
pocket
formation
and/or
recession
of gum
tissue
and is
the most
frequently
occurring
form of
periodontitis.
It is
prevalent
in
adults,
but can
occur at
any age.
Progression
of
attachment
loss
usually
occurs
slowly,
but
periods
of rapid
progression
can
occur.
AGGRESSIVE
PERIODONTITIS
is a
highly
destructive
form of
periodontal
disease
that
occurs
in
patients
who are
otherwise
clinically
healthy.
Common
features
include
rapid
loss of
tissue
attachment
and
destruction
of bone.
This
disease
may
occur in
localized
or
generalized
patterns.
BACK TO
TOP
PERIODONTITIS
AS A
MANIFESTATION
OF
SYSTEMIC
DISEASES
This
form of
periodontitis
is
associated
with one
of
several
systemic
diseases,
such as
diabetes.
Patients
who have
rare but
specified
blood
diseases
or
genetic
disorders
frequently
show
signs of
periodontal
diseases.
NECROTIZING
PERIODONTAL
DISEASE
are
infections
characterized
by
necrosis
(death)
of
gingival
tissues,
periodontal
ligament
and
alveolar
bone.
These
lesions
are most
commonly
associated
with
pain,
bleeding,
and a
foul
odor.
Contributing
factors
can
include
emotional
stress,
tobacco
use and
HIV
infection.
BACK TO
TOP
How can
I
prevent
periodontal
disease?
A good
oral
hygiene
routine
practiced
for a
few
minutes
twice a
day can
help
reduce
your
risk of
developing
periodontal
diseases
and
tooth
decay.
Brush
your
teeth
twice a
day with
a
fluoride
toothpaste.
With
thorough
brushing,
you can
remove
plaque
from the
inner,
outer,
and
chewing
surfaces
of each
tooth.
Dr.
Reeves,
Kelli,
or
Kimberly
can show
you a
proper
brushing
technique.
Clean
between
teeth
once a
day with
dental
floss or
another
interdental
cleaner
to
remove
plaque
and
debris
from
areas
your
toothbrush
can’t
reach.
If you
need
extra
help
controlling
gingivitis
and
plaque
that
forms
above
the gum
line,
Dr.
Reeves
may
recommend
using a
mouthrinse
or other
oral
hygiene
aids as
an
effective
addition
to your
daily
oral
hygiene
routine.
Eat a
balanced
diet for
good
general
health
and
limit
snacks.
Visit
Dr.
Reeves
regularly.
Professional
cleanings
are the
only way
to
remove
tartar,
which
traps
bacteria
along
the gum
line.
BACK TO
TOP
Checking
for
periodontal
disease?
During
your
dental
checkup,
Dr.
Reeves
examines
your
gums.
This is
called a
periodontal
examination.
A
periodontal
probe is
gently
used to
measure
the
depth of
the
sulcus
surrounding
each
tooth.
The
depth of
the
healthy
sulcus
is
usually
three
millimeters
or less.
The
periodontal
probe
can
indicate
whether
you have
developed
any
pockets
and the
depth of
those
pockets.
Generally,
the more
severe
the
disease,
the
deeper
the
pocket.
Dental
x-rays
also may
be taken
to
evaluate
the
amount
of bone
supporting
the
teeth
and to
detect
other
problems
not
visible
during
the
clinical
examination.
If
periodontal
disease
is
diagnosed,
Dr.
Reeves
may
provide
treatment
or may
refer
you to a
periodontist,
a
dentist
who
specializes
in the
prevention,
diagnosis
and
treatment
of
periodontal
disease.
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Treating
Periodontal
Disease
Periodontal
treatment
methods
depend
upon the
type and
severity
of the
disease.
If the
disease
is
caught
very
early
(gingivitis),
and no
damage
has been
done,
you may
simply
be given
instructions
on
improving
your
daily
oral
hygiene.
The
first
non-surgical
step
usually
involves
a
special
cleaning,
called
scaling
and root
planing,
to
remove
plaque
and
tartar
deposits
on the
tooth
and root
surfaces.
This
procedure
helps
gum
tissue
to heal
and
pockets
to
shrink.
This is
sometimes
referred
to as
“periodontal”
or “deep
cleaning”
and may
take
more
than one
visit.
Dr.
Reeves
may also
recommend
medications
to help
control
infection
and
pain, or
to aid
healing.
These
medications
could
include
a pill,
a
mouthrinse,
or a
substance
that the
hygienist
places
directly
in the
periodontal
pocket
after
scaling
and root
planing.
At the
next
visit,
the
hygienist
checks
the
pocket
depth to
determine
the
effect
of the
scaling
and root
planing.
If the
disease
has
advanced
to the
point
where
the
periodontal
pockets
are deep
and the
supporting
bone is
lost,
surgery
may be
necessary.
You will
be
referred
to a
periodontist
for this
treatment.
BACK TO
TOP
Periodontal
Surgery
When the
sulcus
develops
deep
pockets,
it is
difficult
to
completely
remove
plaque
and
tartar
even
with
thorough
daily
oral
hygiene.
If the
pockets
do not
heal
after
scaling
and root
planing,
periodontal
surgery
may be
needed
to
reduce
the
pocket
depth
and make
teeth
easier
to keep
clean.
Surgery
allows
the
dentist
to
access
hard-to-reach
areas
that
require
the
removal
of
tartar
and
plaque.
The gums
are
sutured
back
into
place or
into a
new
position
to make
tissue
snug
around
the
tooth.
Bone
surgery,
including
bone
grafts,
may be
used to
rebuild
or
reshape
bone
destroyed
by
periodontal
disease.
Splints,
bite
guards
or other
appliances
may be
used to
stabilize
loose
teeth
and to
aide the
regeneration
of
tissue
during
healing.
If
excessive
gum
tissue
has been
lost, a
gum
graft
may be
performed.
After
surgery,
the
dentist
may
apply a
protective
dressing
over
teeth
and gums
and a
special
mouthrinse
may be
recommended
or
prescribed.
An
antibiotic
and mild
pain
reliever
also may
be
recommended
or
prescribed.
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TOP
Prevention
Once
your
periodontal
treatment
is
completed,
Dr.
Reeves
will
want to
see you
at
regular
intervals.
In some
cases,
your
appointments
may
alternate
between
Dr.
Reeves
and your
periodontist.
Dr.
Reeves
may
recommend
more
frequent
checkups.
Daily
cleaning
helps
keep the
plaque
under
control
and
reduces
tartar
formation,
but it
won’t
completely
prevent
it. Have
your
teeth
cleaned
regularly
at the
dental
office
to
reduce
plaque
and
remove
calculus
from
places
your
toothbrush
and
floss
may have
missed.
If you
use
tobacco,
ask your
physician
for
information
about
how to
successfully
stop the
habit.
Tobacco
contains
chemicals
that can
slow the
healing
process
and make
the
treatment
results
less
predictable.
Good
oral
hygiene
at home
is
essential
to help
keep
periodontal
disease
from
becoming
more
serious
or from
recurring.
It just
takes a
few
minutes
twice a
day to
care for
your
teeth
and
gums.
Information
gathered
from the
American
Dental
Association
2003 211
East
Chicago
Avenue
Chicago,
Illinois
60611-2678
Call our
office
for an
appointment
to get
started.
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