Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

Periodontal Disease

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which 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. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Heart Disease & Periodontal Disease

It is possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. For a long time, we’ve known that bacteria may affect the heart. Now evidence is mounting that suggests people with periodontal disease—a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease, and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than patients without periodontal disease.

While more research is needed to confirm how periodontal bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits inside heart arteries.

One out of every five Americans has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these Americans, or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, we recommend a periodontal evaluation—because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.

Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease

It’s possible that if you have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may be at risk for having a premature, low birth weight baby. For a long time we’ve known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight—smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and infections. Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor—periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. What we know is that periodontal disease is an infection and all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby.

If you are planning to become pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease, be sure to discuss this with us—because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body and a healthy baby.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that, left untreated, may increase in severity. As a diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing these types of infections, which can impair your ability to process and/or utilize insulin. This may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

Stroke and Periodontal Disease

Recent research indicates that people with periodontal disease are at greater risk for having a stroke. According to a study at University at Buffalo, people with severe gum disease are at twice the risk of suffering a stroke than those with good oral health.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Medication
• Poor nutrition