Periodontal Disease

The periodontal gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection that can damage your teeth in irreversible if left untreated. The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth." As periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, degenerative disease that damages the gums and supporting bone structure beneath them, requires treatment in its earliest stages.

Types of Gum Disease

The gum disease goes through several phases. As the disease progresses in severity, periodontal treatment options become more complex, costly and require much longer. It is important that the appearance of the first signs of symptoms of gum disease experienced professional looking for a periodontist.

Gingivitis

The early and mild form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Often the gums bleed during normal brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional periodontal treatment and a constant oral care at home.

Periodontitis

There are several stages of the advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis:

• Aggressive periodontitis is the form of gum disease found in patients with otherwise good overall oral health. Common symptoms of aggressive periodontitis include a rapid increase in the size of the gingival pockets adjacent to the tooth, leading to degradation of bone.
• Chronic periodontitis is a form of gum disease that requires immediate periodontal treatment. This form of periodontitis causes inflammation within the supporting tissue of teeth, leading to plaque buildup and rapid bone loss. Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease and, although common in adults, may occur at any age. If untreated, this form of gum disease will require surgery of the gum.
• Periodontitis by systemic disease is a form of gum disease that often occurs in young people and is associated with a preexisting condition such as diabetes.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease is one of the most dangerous forms of gum disease. It is characterized by necrosis (death of the supporting tissue) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. This is a very aggressive form of gum disease and often leaves gum surgery as the only treatment option for the periodontist.

Causes of gum disease

The main cause of periodontal disease (gum) is plaque, a highly adhesive film, transparent that constantly forms on teeth. The following causes have also been attributed to gingivitis and the more advanced forms of periodontitis:

• Smoking and snuff use has proven to be a major contributor to gum disease. It's no secret that smoking causes many health related problems, but recent studies have shown that it is one of the most important risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal diseases.
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• The genetics predisposes to nearly 30 percent of the population to gum disease. Even with an oral health care persistent and constant, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease than those who are not genetically susceptible to gum disease. It is important to consult a certified periodontist to determine if it is in a higher risk of complications to begin a routine periodontal treatment for early intervention.
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes that accompany it can lead to increased susceptibility to gum disease. It is known that intense hormonal changes affect a number of tissues in the body, including gums.
• Medications such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicines can have a negative impact on overall oral health. It is important that the periodontist the drugs you are taking and any subsequent changes.
• The teeth grinding impose excessive force on the supporting tissue of teeth and can accelerate the speed at which the disease destroys gum support system sensitive mouth.
• Diabetes causes variations and changes in the level of blood sugar. The perpetual changes lead to a higher risk of developing severe periodontal disease requiring surgery of the gum.
• Poor nutrition leads to a multitude of health-related complications, including gum disease. Immune system involvement with a poor diet will inhibit the body's natural ability to fight gum disease and may require finding a professional periodontal treatment.

Symptoms of gum disease

It is imperative to monitor the possible symptoms of gum disease. Allow the periodontist make an early diagnosis can mean the difference between treatment and non-surgical periodontal surgery full of gum. The symptoms that you should not lose sight of are:

• Oral pain
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• More space between the teeth
• Gums that are inflamed or sensitive
• Gums that appear to recede, making teeth appear longer
• Persistent bad breath
• Formation of pus between the teeth
• Changes in occlusion and the way teeth fit together
• Mouth sores

How is periodontal disease (gum)?

In the case before a diagnosis of gum disease, your periodontist may recommend non-surgical periodontal treatment. For advanced cases, surgery may be necessary for the gum. The most important factor in the treatment options available to you will be the speed with which detected the gum disease and how fast it progresses.

Treatment of early stage or gingivitis

Typically, gingivitis is reversible with nonsurgical treatment. Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States) Decapinol approved the first prescription oral rinse to reduce gingivitis. The Decapinol, when used twice daily, acts as a barrier that inhibits the ability of bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface.

Other treatments include non-surgical periodontal scaling and root planing. This method of periodontal treatment cleans the root surface to remove the deposit of plaque and tartar. After that, antibiotics can be administered locally to remove remaining bacteria.

Treatment of advanced stage or periodontitis

The advanced gum disease often requires surgical periodontal (gum). Gum surgery becomes the only viable periodontal treatment once the tissue surrounding the teeth is too sick to repair it with a nonsurgical treatment. The four types of gum surgery is most often recommended are:

• Processes to reduce the bag
• Regenerative processes
• Crown lengthening
• Soft tissue grafts