Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of loose and sensitive teeth is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease includes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium). The periodontium is the structure that surrounds the teeth and holds them in their sockets. Periodontal disease is an infection that can cause teeth to become loose and eventually lost.

Periodontal disease is most often caused by bacterial plaque that surrounds teeth. Bacterial plaque is a sticky film that continues to form around teeth. If it isn’t removed constantly, it can continually build up and form calculus (calculus is just a hardened form of bacterial plaque). There are a number of other causes of periodontal disease.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

• Smoking: smoking causes shrinkage of some blood vessels, hence the periodontium is affected by not having enough blood flow and oxygen. Smokers tend to lose teeth more than non-smokers, because of periodontal disease.
• Hormones: gum tissue are sometimes affected by hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menopause
• Genetics: some individuals are more prone to periodontal disease, despite proper oral hygiene practices, because of genetic factors. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to save teeth in such individuals.
• Diabetes: diabetics have a higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease. Healing is also slower with diabetes, making periodontal disease a greater concern with respect to oral health. Diabetes, though not the only reason, may be a cause of necrosis (tissue death due to lack of blood and oxygen).
• Poor Nutrition: a diet that is low in necessary nutrients affects the body, including the oral cavity. Periodontal disease is a distinct infection that may worsen with poor nutrition.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

In many cases, an individual may have had long standing or severe periodontal disease, and some teeth (in other cases, all of the teeth) cannot be saved. In these cases, extractions may be the only viable option, with replacement of the missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures. Other treatment options are available for treating periodontal disease, each option depending on individual cases/.

• Scaling and root planning: this involves professional cleaning of plaque and calculus from root surfaces and periodontal pockets. This is the most common method used to treat periodontal disease.
• Periodontal surgery: if the tissues around the teeth are determined to be unhealthy, periodontal surgery (there are more than one types) may be necessary to treat the periodontal disease. Periodontal surgery can help to improve function.
• Cosmetic methods: this can be done to improve a patient’s appearance, smile and function, if for example a lot of roots are exposed by the periodontal disease.

Each individual’s case of periodontal disease is different, so the necessary treatment may be different for each patient. An individual with a diagnosis of periodontal disease, especially long standing or advanced, can be treated by a periodontist (a dentist with specialized training in diagnosing, preventing and treating periodontal disease). You can be referred to a periodontist by a general dentist, or be treated by a general dentist. Please be pro-active in a consulting with your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

We hope this helps!

Does flossing reduce bad breath?

Question:

Does flossing reduce bad breath?

Answer:

Yes it definitely plays a role in reducing bad breath.  Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors.  Some of these factors include decay in a tooth, bacteria or food debris trapped under the gum line or between teeth, plaque or calculus (tartar) accumulations, bacteria located on the tongue, bad oral hygiene habits, etc.  Flossing definitely needs to be incorporated into a daily routine, in addition to brushing after each meal, to better fight bad breath.  If you practice great oral hygiene habits and don’t have any decayed teeth or plaque, and yet still experience bad breath, maybe you should visit your dentist.  He/she may be able to identify a possible cause that could have been overlooked.

Good luck!

I take care of my teeth. Why do I still get cavities?

Question:

I brush regularly and floss when I can.  Overall, I take very good care of my teeth.  But why do I still get cavities?

Answer:

A number of factors come into play when it comes to keeping your teeth clean.

Are You Brushing Correctly?

First off, though you brush your teeth often, are you brushing them correctly?  Make sure the bristles of your toothbrush reach every area on the tooth, including the back surface and especially the surface closest to the gumline, these are areas where bacteria usually build up.

Are You Flossing Correctly?

When you floss, do you guide the floss down below the gumline, following the curvature of the tooth?  Flossing takes more than just moving the strand between the teeth, be sure to see our article on flossing for more details.

Number of Cavities Can Be Hereditary!

And sadly, research has shown that an individual’s ability to get cavities is hereditary…that’s right, HEREDITARY!!!  So if your mother or father had a high number of cavities, than your risk of getting cavities is greatly increased.  It’s not inevitable, it just means that your mouth’s pH is more favorable to bacterial growth and development.  This means that you must take extra caution in your daily oral hygiene habits and the types of food that you consume.

Are You Eating the Right Foods?

Yet another factor that plays a large role in the development of cavities is diet.  Of course, if you have a diet that’s high in carbohydrates and sugars, you can expect more cavities.  So try to stay away from soda, candy, and a lot of bread on a regular basis.

Hope this helps and good luck!