Periodontal Treatment

PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE

Periodontal therapy is the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Healthy teeth need healthy gums and if left untreated gum disease can cause the loss of our teeth. But if we give our gums proper treatment and care, our teeth should last a life time.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, whether it is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day.

WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-harbouring “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

GINGIVITIS

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and they easily bleed. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with improved daily brushing and flossing tecniques and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”) Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes that are fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

RISK FACTORS

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.
Hormonal changes in girls/women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease.
Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
Medications. Some drugs, such as anti-depressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums.
Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE?

Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. They include:

Bad breath that won’t go away
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth

Any of these symptoms may signal a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit:

The dentist will ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to periodontal disease.
The dentist or hygienist will examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation
The dentist or hygienist will use a tiny ruler called a ‘probe’ to check for periodontal pockets and to measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.
The dentist or hygienist may take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
The dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a specialist who treats gum diseases.

HOW IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATED?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Additionally, modifying certain behaviours, such as quitting tobacco use, might also be suggested as a way to improve treatment outcome.