How can I tell if I have periodontitis (gum disease)?
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone around the teeth. If it is not treated, with time the teeth become loose and eventually need to be extracted. Studies indicate more than half the adults in the U.S. have periodontal disease.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Most people who have periodontal disease are not aware of it because it is painless until late stages. The following warning signs can indicate a problem:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth slightly
Does periodontal disease relate to any other health problems?
Tooth loss is not the only problem related to periodontal disease. Research suggests the inflammation and bacteria related to periodontal disease may be associated with the following health complications:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Increased risk during pregnancy
What causes periodontal disease?
The mouth is full of bacteria. Periodontal disease starts when plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and lining of the mouth) is left on the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque make toxins that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone around teeth. This plaque eventually hardens into calculus (tartar) around the teeth that is hard and can only be removed at the dental office.
How does the dental office detect and treat periodontitis?
During your checkup, a metal instrument called a periodontal probe is gently used to measure the “pocket depth” around each tooth. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease. Periodontal disease is usually initially treated by a special deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the tartar deposits on the tooth down below the gum. This helps the gum tissue to heal and the pockets to shrink. This “deep cleaning” usually takes several visits and often requires being numbed. Following a deep cleaning, if the tissues respond well a patient is placed on 3-4 month recall visits for the rest of their lives to keep the periodontal disease in check. If the gum and bone don’t respond well enough to the deep cleaning, sometimes local antibiotic placement around the teeth or a referral to the periodontist becomes necessary.
Normal probing Early periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis Advanced Periodontitis
