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Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue and supporting bone, which gradually destroys the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons, which irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.
As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness and swelling do not have to be present. Furthermore, pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease. This disease damages the teeth, gum tissue and jawbone of more than 80% of Americans by age 45.
Periodontal Disease and Tobacco
You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer and heart disease.
Current studies have now linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage. These cases may be even more severe than those of non-users of tobacco. There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gum tissue and teeth as well as greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth. In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of tobacco.
Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and decrease the predictability of a successful outcome following periodontal treatment.
Problems caused by tobacco include:
Lung disease, heart disease, cancer, mouth sores, gum recession, loss of bone and teeth, bad breath, tooth staining, less success with periodontal treatment and dental implants.
Successfully quitting tobacco will reduce the chance of developing the above problems.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Individuals suffering from diabetes, particularly uncontrolled diabetics, have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. A periodontal infection may impair your ability to process insulin, resulting in greater difficulty with controlling your diabetes. Periodontal disease in diabetic patients tends to be more severe than that of a non-diabetic. Healing time can also be delayed. Well controlled diabetics can expect to have better resolution of a periodontal infection.
Steps to prevent periodontal disease include daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental visits for professional cleaning and regular periodontal evaluation. Your dental health professional must also be told of your history and the current status of your condition. And finally, you can help resist periodontal infection by maintaining control of your blood sugar levels.
Our doctors may request a recent blood test with your physician or out-patient facility to obtain an HbA1c value which assesses your long term blood glucose control.
Women and Periodontal Health
Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body.
Fluctuations in hormone levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During these times, your susceptibility to periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.
Puberty
During puberty, there is increased production of sex hormones. These higher levels increase gum sensitivity and lead to an increased incidence of irritation from plaque and food particles. The gum tissue can become swollen, turn red and feel tender.
Menstruation
Similar symptoms occasionally appear several days before menstruation. There can be bleeding of the gums, bright red swelling between the teeth and gum, or sores on the inside of the cheek. The symptoms clear up once the cycle has started. As the amount of sex hormones decrease, so do these problems.
Pregnancy
Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy. Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed and become red or tender. Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants. However, these growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.
Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care. Any infections during pregnancy, including periodontal infections, can place a baby’s health at risk.
The best way to prevent periodontal infection is to begin with healthy gums and continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful monitoring by your physician, general dentist, or periodontist.
Oral contraceptives
Swelling, bleeding and tenderness of the gums may also occur when you are taking oral contraceptives, which are synthetic hormones.
You must mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment. This will help eliminate risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives – where the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be lessened.
Menopause
Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal. They include feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery or sour tastes.
Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms. There are also saliva substitutes to treat the effects of “dry mouth.”
