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Periodontal (Gum) Disease

 

What is periodontal disease?  Periodontal disease is inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.  It is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria and “plaque” that accumulates over time along the gum line.  Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on your teeth.  If this plaque is not removed daily it hardens into tartar (calculus) and cannot be removed by your tooth brush.  This is why it is recommended to have at least two cleanings and check-ups per year unless you have periodontal disease.         

 

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

  • Gums that bleed easily

  • Red, swollen and tender gums

  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste

  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

  • Any change in the fit of removable partial denture

 

Some factors increased the risk of developing periodontal disease:

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco

  • Genetics

  • Crooked teeth that  are hard to keep clean

  • Pregnancy

  • Diabetes

  • Medications including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives.

 

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.  If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily.  At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at our office, follow by daily brushing and flossing.  

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis.  Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time.  If it does, your teeth would feel loose and start moving around in your mouth.  This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age.  It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.  Research between systemic diseases and periodontal disease is ongoing.  Some studies indicate that gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes and stroke.  Here at Baseline Dental, Dr. Newsome has been successfully treating patients with periodontitis for many years.  We look forward to scheduling an appointment for you.

The presence of Periodontal Disease may be associated with several systemic diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, diabetes, preterm birth, prosthetic joint complications, lung disease, osteoporosis, and cancer.  

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