Periodontal (Gum) Disease
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Normal healthy tooth, with good gum and bone support plus perio fibre attachment.
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Periodontal or gum disease and not tooth decay, is the major cause of adult tooth loss around the world.
Plaque - Cause of Periodontal Disease
Plaque, the sticky white substance coating teeth is the cause of periodontal disease. It is a growing colony of living bacteria which also contains a little food debris and saliva. The bacteria within plaque feed upon sugars in food and their natural by-products are toxic to the gums and underlying bone which support teeth. As plaque is continuously being produced it needs to be removed thoroughly each day. If plaque is allowed to accumulate around and under gum margins, the toxins attack the gums causing them to peel away from the tooth roots to form deep hollows or pockets.
Plaque and food debris become trapped within the pockets and the disease process causes the gums to swell thus sealing in their destructive contents. At this stage, only the dentist or hygienist can remove the debris. If not treated, the gums are destroyed giving teeth an elongated appearance as tooth roots are exposed. Eventually teeth become loose and fall out, although in many cases the teeth themselves are quite healthy.
Calculus
Calculus, also known as tartar can develop from plaque. It is a mineral deposit with a pitted, rough surface and appears as brownish or black deposits around the necks of teeth and under the gums. Plaque embeds itself each day on its rough surface. Both calculus and plaque cling with such force that only the dentist or hygienist can remove them.
Symptoms
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Perio probe in normal 2 mm deep pocket.
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In its early stages, periodontal disease is almost always painless. There are several early symptoms, but some and not all, may be present. They include bleeding gums, especially after brushing, swollen red and sore gums, constant bad breath, infection and periodontal abscesses. In the advanced stages, there is deep pocketing with spaces developing between teeth. Gums recede, teeth become loose and finally fall out.
Testing for Periodontal Disease
Pocket depths around each tooth are measured using a special probe. In a normal healthy mouth, the pockets are between 1-3mm deep, any deeper is a sign of periodontal disease.
Treatment
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Shows difference in gum and bone between a normal tooth and one suffering from advanced periodontal disease.
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Most forms of periodontal disease can be treated and loss of teeth is not inevitable,
especially if diagnosed in its early stages when it is easiest and least costly to treat. Initial treatment may involve several sessions with the dentist or hygienist to scale and polish teeth to remove all plaque and calculus. Oral hygiene instruction is given in the correct daily brushing and flossing techniques to keep plaque to a minimum.
Sometimes treatment is performed using local anesthetic to aid comfort.
On occasions a surgical approach may be necessary to access plaque and calculus around tooth roots.
Prevention
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Gums appear normal, but perio probing indicates 9 1/2mm pocket.
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Most periodontal disease can be prevented. Some people are highly resistant, whilst some are highly susceptible to the disease including certain ethnic groups. Good daily oral hygiene should include a dental and perio check every six months together with professional scaling and polishing which takes at least 20 minutes to complete.
Periodontal Warning
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Too late for treatment. No bone supporting tooth and inflammation surrounds entire root. Tooth will eventually fall out.
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Once established, periodontal disease cannot be cured. It is a progressive condition which requires constant monitoring, professional care and good daily oral hygiene to keep it under control. In some cases, which fortunately are rare, despite the best efforts of the patient, dentist and hygienist. the disease process cannot be halted and all teeth are lost. Periodontal disease is recognised professionally as being difficult to treat and as such, carries no guarantee of success in treating and controlling the condition.
Gum Disease
Flossing
Interdental Brushing
Tongue Cleansing
Single Tufted Brush
