PERIODONTAL DISEASE
- Periodontal Care
- About Periodontal Disease
- Preventing Gum Disease
- Oral Hygiene
- Oral Pathology
- Importance of Periodontal Health
- Who Is a Periodontist
- Bad Breath
- FAQ About Periodontal (Gums) Disease
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontal (Gums) Disease
Video - What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Video - What is Alternative to Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Frequently
Asked Questions about Periodontal (Gums) Disease
- What is periodontal (gum) disease?
- What causes gum disease?
- How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
- How do I prevent gum disease?
- What other factors might contribute to gum disease?
- Is periodontal disease contagious?
- Will treatment cure my problem?
- Why is it necessary to treat periodontal disease if I don't mind losing my
teeth?
- Is periodontal treatment painful?
- Is treatment covered by dental insurance?
- Can I schedule an appointment without being referred by a general dentist?
- What is periodontal surgery and is it necessary?
- Are all forms of periodontal diseases the
same?
- What is alternative to Periodontal (Gum) disease?
1. What is
periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal literally means “around the tooth.”
Periodontal or gum diseases are serious infections affecting the tissues
surrounding the teeth. These tissues include the gums and bone supporting the
teeth. Gone unchecked, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontal Disease Swollen and bleeding
gums when brushing
Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless and progressive disease.
Most adults with periodontal disease are unaware they have
it.
Periodontal diseases can take a number of years for enough
bone loss to occur for the teeth to become loose. However, the severity of the
disease can vary from one person to another. Periodontal diseases are classified
according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are
gingivitis and
periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only
affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of
periodontal disease called periodontitis.
HEALTH
- Coral pink colour
- Gums hug teeth tightly
- No bleeding
GINGIVITIS
- Bleeding while brushing or during probing
- Inflamed, sensitive gums
- Possible bad breath/taste
MILD PERIODONTITIS
- More pronounced gingival bleeding, swelling
- Gums may begin to pull away from teeth
- Bad breath/taste
- Pockets 3-4 mm deep
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
- Teeth may look longer due to gum recession
- Gum boils or abscesses may develop
- Bad breath, bad taste
- Teeth may begin to drift and show spaces
- Pockets 4-6 mm deep
ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
- Teeth may become mobile or loose
- Constant bad breath and bad taste
- Teeth sensitive due to exposed roots
- Pockets > 6mm deep
- Some teeth may be extracted (pulled)
If diagnosed and treated early, however, the teeth can be saved. Treatment
becomes more difficult as it progresses but it can be very successfully treated
in the earlier stages.
2. What causes
gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky
film that forms on your teeth. Plaque is an often colourless mass of bacteria
that sticks to teeth, crowns and bridges, and other tissues in the oral cavity.
Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing
them to become red, tender, and swollen (see picture).
Gum Disease –Bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on your
teeth.
If not removed daily, plaque becomes the hard material known as tartar or
calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by
brushing and flossing alone. A dentist, periodontist, or hygienist must remove
it manually to stop the disease process.
Gum Disease –Calculus develops below the gums on the tooth
roots.
If calculus develops below the gums on the tooth root, it makes plaque
removal more difficult, increasing your risk for developing periodontal disease. Toxins (poisons) produced by the
bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing infection. These toxins also can
destroy the tissues supporting the teeth, including the bone. When this happens,
gums separate from the teeth, forming “pockets” that fill with even more plaque
and more infection. As the diseases progress, these pockets deepen, more gum
tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth eventually become loose. If
periodontal diseases are not treated, the teeth may need to be removed.
3. How do I
know If I have periodontal disease?
The best way to find out if you have periodontal disease is to have your dentist or a periodontist examine your mouth. Many times the common signs,
such as bleeding gums and tooth looseness, are not present and the disease goes
undiagnosed until the gum disease is very advanced.The clinical diagnosis of
periodontitis requires evaluation by a trained examiner and evidence of gingival
inflammation, loss of connective tissue surrounding the teeth measured by
clinical examination and bone loss detected by radiography.
Comments:
Above arrow -Normal bone level Below arrow –Bone
loss from infection
Comments:
loss of supporting tissue surrounding the teeth
measured by clinical examination
Use the following questions to see if you may have some of
the signs and symptoms indicative of progressive periodontal disease:Does your gum bleed when you floss or
brush your teeth?
Periodontal Disease –Swollen and bleeding gums when flossing and
brushing
Are your gums red,
tender or swollen?
Periodontal Disease –Red, swollen, tender and bleeding
gums.
Is pus visible when you press on your gums?
Advanced Periodontal Disease Pus between teeth and
gums
Do your teeth appear to be getting
LONGER?
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Long appearance of teeth (because
of receded gums) increased spacing between teeth
Is your gum line Uneven when you smile?
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Gums that have pulled away from the
teeth (recession).
Are the roots of your teeth exposed and sensitive to hot or cold?
Periodontal Disease – Change in tooth sensation when biting because of
increased tooth mobility.
Can you move or wiggle one or more of your teeth with your tongue or
fingers?
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Loose or separating
teeth.
Is there S P A C E S between your teeth where there were none before?
Advanced Periodontal Disease Spaces between teeth
Has there been a change in how you bite?
Advanced Periodontal Disease A change in the way your teeth fit together
when you bite.
Has there been a change in how your partial denture(s) fit(s)?
Periodontal Disease – A change in the fit of partial
dentures
Do you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth?
Advanced Periodontal Disease Persistent bad breath and bad taste (because of
infection).
If you answered YES to any
of these questions, you may have some form of gum disease.
Call us at 020 7580 2294 today for a complete evaluation.
You owe it to yourself to keep your natural
teeth!
4. How do I
prevent periodontal/gum disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal
disease is through effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular
dental visits that include a periodontal exam and thorough cleaning. If plaque
is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus in less than
two days.
Calculus, or tartar as this substance
is often called, is so hard, it can only be removed during a professional
cleaning.
Daily cleaning will help keep
calculus formation to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. A
professional cleaning, by a dentist or hygienist, at least twice a year is necessary to remove calculus
from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.
Video - What is Gingivitis?
5. What other
factors might contribute to gum disease?
There are many factors other than plaque that contribute to periodontal disease. This
means that there is not just one cause of periodontal diseases but rather
multiple factors that can affect the health of your gums.
TOBACCO use significantly
increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases and can negatively affect
treatment.
HORMONAL CHANGES during pregnancy,
puberty and menopause can cause the gums to become red, tender and bleed
easily.
GENETICS and family history
of periodontal diseases indicate a greater likelihood of developing these diseases.
STRESS can make it more
difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Some
MEDICATIONS such as oral
contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicine, can affect oral health.
DESTRUCTIVE HABITS such as improper
oral hygiene technique, oral piercing, drug or alcohol abuse can affect
periodontal health.
POOR NUTRITION can make it harder
for the body to fight off infection.
SYSTEMIC DISEASES that interfere with
the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums and supporting
bone.
6. Is
periodontal disease contagious?
Research suggests that the germs that cause gum disease may be transferred in
saliva
7. Will
treatment cure my problem?
Periodontal disease is not cured; in most people, most of the time, it is
controlled. Failure to practice good oral hygiene and get the prescribed regular
dental cleanings can lead to relapse. Changes in your health may also lead to
increased disease susceptibility
8. Why is it
necessary to treat periodontal disease if I don't mind losing my
teeth?
Research has shown that periodontal bacteria are associated with cardiovascular disease. Treating your periodontal disease can decrease these bacteria and may
decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other systemic health conditions (such as diabetes and premature low
birth weight babies).
9. Is
periodontal treatment painful?
Not usually. There may be minor discomfort, which is usually well controlled
with local anaesthesia and pain medications. Most patients go back to work and
normal activities the day after surgical therapy.
10. Is
treatment covered by dental insurance?
Yes, it's usually partially covered, depending on the comprehensive dental
plan that you have. Some plans include periodontal surgery and grafting, and
others do not. Our staff can help you answer these kinds of questions.
11. Can I
schedule an appointment without being referred by a general
dentist?
Yes, we can evaluate and treat your periodontal condition without a referral.
And if you do not have a general dentist we can refer you to one.
12. What is
periodontal surgery and is it necessary?
Gingival flap surgery is a type of gum procedure. The gums are separated from
the teeth and folded back temporarily. This allows a dentist to reach the root
of the tooth and the bone. Gingival flap surgery is used to
treat gum disease (periodontitis). It may be recommended for people with
advanced periodontitis. Usually, a treatment that doesn't involve surgery is
done first. This is called scaling and root planing. If this treatment does not
eliminate the gum infection, gingival flap surgery may be used. It also may be
done along with another procedure known as osseous (bone) surgery.
13. Are all forms of periodontal diseases the same?
There are many types of
periodontal diseases. The following is an overview of the most common:
Gingivitis: As the
mildest form of the periodontal diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become
red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually no discomfort at this stage.
Chronic Periodontitis:
Chronic periodontitis is a condition resulting in inflammation
within the soft tissues surrounding the teeth causing progressive attachment
and bone loss (see below pictures). It is diagnosed by bone loss on a
dental X-ray, the formation of gum pockets and/or receding gums. It is most
common in adults, but can o
What is alternative to Periodontal (Gum) disease?
ccur at any age.
Aggressive
Periodontitis: This form occurs in patients who are otherwise in good health.
Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. There are
two forms of aggressive periodontitis:
LOCALIZED
AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS – Most often occurs near puberty
and usually involves attachment loss around first molars and/or front teeth but
may involve one or two additional teeth.
GENERALIZED
AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS – Usually, but not always
affects people under 30 years of age. It involves attachment loss on at least
three permanent teeth in addition to first molars and incisors.
Periodontitis as a
Manifestation of Systemic Disease: As the name indicates, this form
is associated with one of several systemic diseases that are related
to periodontitis,
such as diabetes.
Necrotizing
Periodontal Diseases: These types of periodontal diseases cause ulcers in the gums
between the teeth and are most commonly observed in individuals with certain
conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression. Stress, smoking, and poor oral
hygiene sometimes can contribute to this problem.
14. What is alternative to Periodontal (Gum) disease?Please watch our video on top of the this page.
Video - What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Video - What is Alternative to Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontal (Gums) Disease
- What is periodontal (gum) disease?
- What causes gum disease?
- How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
- How do I prevent gum disease?
- What other factors might contribute to gum disease?
- Is periodontal disease contagious?
- Will treatment cure my problem?
- Why is it necessary to treat periodontal disease if I don't mind losing my teeth?
- Is periodontal treatment painful?
- Is treatment covered by dental insurance?
- Can I schedule an appointment without being referred by a general dentist?
- What is periodontal surgery and is it necessary?
- Are all forms of periodontal diseases the same?
- What is alternative to Periodontal (Gum) disease?
1. What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal or gum diseases are serious infections affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. These tissues include the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gone unchecked, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss.
|
Advanced Periodontal Disease Swollen and bleeding gums when brushing |
Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless and progressive disease. Most adults with periodontal disease are unaware they have it.
Periodontal diseases can take a number of years for enough bone loss to occur for the teeth to become loose. However, the severity of the disease can vary from one person to another. Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.
HEALTH
|
|
|
GINGIVITIS
|
|
|
MILD PERIODONTITIS
|
|
|
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
|
|
|
ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
|
|
|
If diagnosed and treated early, however, the teeth can be saved. Treatment becomes more difficult as it progresses but it can be very successfully treated in the earlier stages.
2. What causes gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. Plaque is an often colourless mass of bacteria that sticks to teeth, crowns and bridges, and other tissues in the oral cavity. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, tender, and swollen (see picture).
 |
Gum Disease –Bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. |
If not removed daily, plaque becomes the hard material known as tartar or calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. A dentist, periodontist, or hygienist must remove it manually to stop the disease process.
 |
Gum Disease –Calculus develops below the gums on the tooth roots. |
If calculus develops below the gums on the tooth root, it makes plaque removal more difficult, increasing your risk for developing periodontal disease. Toxins (poisons) produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing infection. These toxins also can destroy the tissues supporting the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming “pockets” that fill with even more plaque and more infection. As the diseases progress, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth eventually become loose. If periodontal diseases are not treated, the teeth may need to be removed.
3. How do I know If I have periodontal disease?
The best way to find out if you have periodontal disease is to have your dentist or a periodontist examine your mouth. Many times the common signs, such as bleeding gums and tooth looseness, are not present and the disease goes undiagnosed until the gum disease is very advanced.The clinical diagnosis of periodontitis requires evaluation by a trained examiner and evidence of gingival inflammation, loss of connective tissue surrounding the teeth measured by clinical examination and bone loss detected by radiography.
|
|
| Comments: Above arrow -Normal bone level Below arrow –Bone loss from infection |
Comments: loss of supporting tissue surrounding the teeth measured by clinical examination |
Use the following questions to see if you may have some of the signs and symptoms indicative of progressive periodontal disease:Does your gum bleed when you floss or brush your teeth?
 |
Periodontal Disease –Swollen and bleeding gums when flossing and brushing |
Are your gums red, tender or swollen?
 |
Periodontal Disease –Red, swollen, tender and bleeding gums. |
Is pus visible when you press on your gums?
 |
Advanced Periodontal Disease Pus between teeth and gums |
Do your teeth appear to be getting LONGER?
 |
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Long appearance of teeth (because of receded gums) increased spacing between teeth |
Is your gum line Uneven when you smile?
 |
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Gums that have pulled away from the teeth (recession). |
Are the roots of your teeth exposed and sensitive to hot or cold?
|
|
Periodontal Disease – Change in tooth sensation when biting because of increased tooth mobility. |
Can you move or wiggle one or more of your teeth with your tongue or fingers?
|
Advanced Periodontal Disease – Loose or separating teeth. |
Is there S P A C E S between your teeth where there were none before?
|
Advanced Periodontal Disease Spaces between teeth |
Has there been a change in how you bite?
|
Advanced Periodontal Disease A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. |
Has there been a change in how your partial denture(s) fit(s)?
|
Periodontal Disease – A change in the fit of partial dentures |
Do you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth?
|
Advanced Periodontal Disease Persistent bad breath and bad taste (because of infection). |
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have some form of gum disease.
Call us at 020 7580 2294 today for a complete evaluation.
You owe it to yourself to keep your natural teeth!
4. How do I prevent periodontal/gum disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal
disease is through effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular
dental visits that include a periodontal exam and thorough cleaning. If plaque
is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus in less than
two days.
Calculus, or tartar as this substance is often called, is so hard, it can only be removed during a professional cleaning.
Daily cleaning will help keep calculus formation to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. A professional cleaning, by a dentist or hygienist, at least twice a year is necessary to remove calculus from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.
Video - What is Gingivitis?
There are many factors other than plaque that contribute to periodontal disease. This means that there is not just one cause of periodontal diseases but rather multiple factors that can affect the health of your gums.
TOBACCO use significantly increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases and can negatively affect treatment.
HORMONAL CHANGES during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can cause the gums to become red, tender and bleed easily.
GENETICS and family history of periodontal diseases indicate a greater likelihood of developing these diseases.
STRESS can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Some MEDICATIONS such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicine, can affect oral health.
DESTRUCTIVE HABITS such as improper oral hygiene technique, oral piercing, drug or alcohol abuse can affect periodontal health.
POOR NUTRITION can make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
SYSTEMIC DISEASES that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums and supporting bone.
6. Is periodontal disease contagious?
Research suggests that the germs that cause gum disease may be transferred in saliva
7. Will treatment cure my problem?
Periodontal disease is not cured; in most people, most of the time, it is controlled. Failure to practice good oral hygiene and get the prescribed regular dental cleanings can lead to relapse. Changes in your health may also lead to increased disease susceptibility
8. Why is it necessary to treat periodontal disease if I don't mind losing my teeth?
Research has shown that periodontal bacteria are associated with cardiovascular disease. Treating your periodontal disease can decrease these bacteria and may decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other systemic health conditions (such as diabetes and premature low birth weight babies).
9. Is periodontal treatment painful?
Not usually. There may be minor discomfort, which is usually well controlled with local anaesthesia and pain medications. Most patients go back to work and normal activities the day after surgical therapy.
10. Is treatment covered by dental insurance?
Yes, it's usually partially covered, depending on the comprehensive dental plan that you have. Some plans include periodontal surgery and grafting, and others do not. Our staff can help you answer these kinds of questions.
11. Can I schedule an appointment without being referred by a general dentist?
Yes, we can evaluate and treat your periodontal condition without a referral. And if you do not have a general dentist we can refer you to one.
12. What is periodontal surgery and is it necessary?
Gingival flap surgery is a type of gum procedure. The gums are separated from the teeth and folded back temporarily. This allows a dentist to reach the root of the tooth and the bone. Gingival flap surgery is used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). It may be recommended for people with advanced periodontitis. Usually, a treatment that doesn't involve surgery is done first. This is called scaling and root planing. If this treatment does not eliminate the gum infection, gingival flap surgery may be used. It also may be done along with another procedure known as osseous (bone) surgery.
13. Are all forms of periodontal diseases the same?
There are many types of periodontal diseases. The following is an overview of the most common:
Gingivitis: As the mildest form of the periodontal diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually no discomfort at this stage.
Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a condition resulting in inflammation within the soft tissues surrounding the teeth causing progressive attachment and bone loss (see below pictures). It is diagnosed by bone loss on a dental X-ray, the formation of gum pockets and/or receding gums. It is most common in adults, but can o
What is alternative to Periodontal (Gum) disease?
ccur at any age.
Aggressive Periodontitis: This form occurs in patients who are otherwise in good health. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. There are two forms of aggressive periodontitis:
LOCALIZED AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS – Most often occurs near puberty and usually involves attachment loss around first molars and/or front teeth but may involve one or two additional teeth.
GENERALIZED AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS – Usually, but not always affects people under 30 years of age. It involves attachment loss on at least three permanent teeth in addition to first molars and incisors.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease: As the name indicates, this form is associated with one of several systemic diseases that are related to periodontitis, such as diabetes.
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases: These types of periodontal diseases cause ulcers in the gums between the teeth and are most commonly observed in individuals with certain conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression. Stress, smoking, and poor oral hygiene sometimes can contribute to this problem.