According to the Academy of General Dentistry, as many as 75 percent of U.S. adults struggle with periodontal disease. Symptoms range from mild gum inflammation to major jaw damage and tooth loss—depending on risk factors and disease progression.
So, what is periodontal disease—and what causes it?
It’s not a pretty picture. Your mouth contains bacteria, food particles, saliva and mucus—which, when combined, form the “plaque” your Boston dentist has warned you about. If plaque isn’t properly removed, it turns into a harder substance called calculus, or “tartar”. Excessive plaque and tartar buildup irritates the gums, leading to mild inflammation and bleeding—or “gingivitis.” Gingivitis is typically reversible with the help of proper home cleaning and frequent dental visits. If gingivitis goes unattended, though, it can progress into periodontitis, where
gums and bone draw away from the teeth and become infected. To fight the infection, your body often attacks the jaw’s tissue and bone—leading to irreversible damage.
Risk factors for periodontitis include:
- Diseases, such as diabetes
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal shifts due to menopause or imbalances due to pregnancy
- Genetics
- Medication side effects
- Age
- Poor nutrition
- Poor Oral Hygiene
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Only a skilled periodontist can tell you whether you are suffering from gingivitis, or whether it has progressed to periodontitis. Symptoms include painful gums, bleeding along the gum line, receding gums, tooth discomfort, gum swelling or chronically bad breath.
How can I prevent periodontitis? How can I treat it?
While there’s no guarantee that you won’t have periodontal disease at some point, you can minimize the chances by flossing twice a day, brushing thoroughly two to three times a day, seeing your dentist at least every six months and eating foods with optimal nutritional value.
If you’ve already developed the disease, your periodontist will recommend that you reduce your risk factors (quit smoking, better manage your diabetes, etc.). Next, you’ll need to commit to improved tooth cleaning, flossing and the use of antiseptic rinses. Finally, the dentist will probably prescribe medication to address the infection in your mouth. Medications include oral antibiotics, antibiotic gels, antibiotic microspheres and enzyme suppressants.
In severe cases, you may need to undergo “flap surgery” to remove deep tartar deposits and repair pockets of gum damage. Your dentist may also wish to use bone or tissue grafts to replace degraded bone and jaw tissue. Ask Dr. Meola which treatment holds the most promise—and lowest risk—for your situation.
Contact Smile and Skin for Your Periodontal Consultation
When you call our Boston, Wakefield and Waltham offices, the Smile and Skin team can schedule your periodontal consultation and answer your questions about maintaining a healthy, disease-free smile. Call 781-893-7500 for more information about caring for your gums and treating existing periodontal disease.