The word ‘Periodontal’ means ‘around the tooth’. Periodontal disease refers to a bacterial infection that destroys the teeth, gums and the supporting structures that are instrumental in holding your teeth in place. The disease begins in the gingival sulcus, which is the soft tissue around the neck of the teeth that emerges through the gums. This disease is also known as ‘gum disease’ or ‘periodontitis’. At a later stage of periodontal disease, bacterial erosion can lead to loss of bone, which will result in the widening and deepening of pockets, that is, the space between the tooth and gum. This disease requires immediate treatment as it might lead to tooth loss and might also involve painful and costly procedures such as bone and gum grafts.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Bacteria are the primary cause of Periodontal Disease. Constant formation and accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food on your teeth and gum line is capable of causing Periodontal Disease. Unchecked growth of plaque can cause it to calcify and turn it into calculus or tartar. A wedge is built by tartar in between the gum line and tooth, which can cause openings known as pockets.
The bacterial infection increases when the gum tissues come into contact with tartar and spreading plaque. With the beginning of redness and swelling of gums, the gums not only become weakened but can also start bleeding. Once bleeding starts, bacteria consider it to be an additional source of food and starts multiplying at an alarming rate.
The bacteria usually reside in areas that remain unaffected by brushing such as back of tongue, between the teeth and in pockets under the gum line. Bacteria produce waste that is highly acidic and is capable of affecting the tooth and causing cavities. It is also capable of eating away the bone and the ligaments of the tooth and gum tissue, causing them to pull away and recede from your teeth. It might ultimately lead to loss of tooth.
Other factors might also contribute to unhealthy gums such as medications, grinding or clenching your teeth, diabetes, poor nutrition, genetics, puberty or pregnancy, hormonal changes in women, stress, old age and smoking or use of tobacco.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
In case of Periodontal Disease, it is possible to have no noticeable symptoms. In fact, most people suffering from this disease are not even aware of it. Due to this reason, a periodontal probing is done. By means of periodontal probing, the depth of pockets is measured from the bottom of the pockets, where it is attached to the roots to the top of the gums. A probe reading of more than 3 mm is considered to be a sign of Periodontal Disease. Sometimes, gums bleed during probing and this is considered to be a sign of infection. Another method to check out for the symptoms of Periodontal Disease is X-rays.
In the first stage of Periodontitis, the symptoms include softening of gums, slight bleeding during brushing and discoloration of gums to a darker red appearance. The symptoms become more noticeable with the progression of the disease such as swollen and inflamed gums, sores in the mouth, bright red or purple gums, loose teeth, gums pulling away from teeth and persistent bad breath and taste. Spaces developing between teeth, trench mouth, pus between the gum line and teeth, bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, tender gums and change in the way the teeth fit together while biting complete the list.
Kinds of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease is mainly of three types, they are:
- Insidious – In this kind of Periodontal Disease, the symptoms are noticeable at an advanced stage such as sore or itchy gums, change in biting manner, acute gum abscesses, bleeding gums, loose teeth and bad breath. A thorough periodontal exam must be availed by you for diagnosing this stage.
- Chronic – This stage usually takes months or years to develop and it can be only managed, not cured.
- Episodic – In this kind of Periodontal Disease, the disease activity of infection occurs in various locations of the mouth, in an off and on manner and can be determined only by accurate exams.
Steps Involved in Treatment of Periodontal Disease
A visit to a Periodontist is essential for those who are suffering from Periodontal Disease. The treatment focuses on controlling the infection and regularly monitoring the signs of the disease. The procedure might take months to give the desired results. The implementation of a good oral hygiene program is the primary step of the treatment but it is not sufficient for those who have pockets. For successful outcome, you need to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning and those who are addicted to tobacco should immediately stop using it.
A deep cleaning of the teeth might also be recommended by the dentist that includes procedures like scaling and root planning. Root planning involves getting rid of the dark spots on the root of the tooth, where the bacteria gather by smoothing the teeth’s rough surfaces. A strong bacteria fighter must be used that can kill the bacteria by getting into the pockets. On the other hand, the procedure of scaling involves scraping of tartar and plaque from below and above the gum line. You can also opt for laser treatments to reduce localized pocketing. The laser treatments not only kills majority of the offending bacteria but also encourages gum reattachment to the teeth and removal of diseased tissue, minus the pain and discomfort.
The alternative and expensive treatment options are Bone and Tissue Grafts and Gingival Flap Surgery. Bone and Tissue Grafts includes replacement of gum and bone tissue that are destroyed by Periodontitis. Gingival Flap Surgery involves lifting back of the gums to remove tartar. Then, the gums are sutured back into place so that the tissue again snugly fits around the tooth. You need to be aware of the fact that deep cleanings, bone and tissue grafts and surgeries are painful and expensive and the results are not guaranteed.
Ways of Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease can be prevented by following some of the ways, such as:
- Brushing teeth twice a day, especially with fluoride toothpaste and changing the toothbrush every 1 to 3 months.
- Gargling twice a day.
- Flossing every day
- Eating a well-balanced diet and limiting between meal snacks.
- Avoiding the use of tobacco products
- Visiting dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and regular check-up.
Risks of Periodontal Disease
The horrifying fact about Periodontal Disease is that though it originates in the mouth, it is capable of affecting the entire body and also increases the risk of other health ailments like coronary heart disease, strokes, respiratory disease, pancreatic cancer, premature births, diabetes, digestive disorders and infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is a heart condition that is caused when plaque bacteria enter the blood stream through infected gums. It is considered to be a potentially fatal infection as it inflames the valves of the heart, the sack around the heart and the heart muscles.
Research indicates that the bacteria of Peridontitis may cause inflammation in the arteries that can lead to the building up of fatty deposits and formation of blood clots. These are capable of blocking your arteries and triggering a heart attack. In fact, it has also been linked with pre-term and underweight newborns. According to scientists, the link between the pre-term birth and this disease is due to the reaction of the body to the bacteria that exists in the gums infected with even mild Periodontal Disease.
Periodontal Disease is capable of not only affecting your teeth but also other parts of your body. Therefore, it is essential for you to keep your gums healthy for your oral and overall health. This can be done with suitable oral hygiene through proper home care and regular visits to the dentist.