Periodontal Disease
A periodontist is a dental specialist who is trained to detect and treat periodontal or gum disease. Periodontists treat the various effects of gum problems and help restore or revive healthy oral hygiene.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection resulting from plaque that builds up over a period of time. As periodontal diseases progresses, small "pockets" form around the teeth. The bacteria lives and thrives in these "pockets." Left untreated or not treated properly, the infection can cause the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place to deteriorate.
Recent studies have a shown direct correlation between periodontal disease and other serious systemic health conditions including but not limited to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For more information on the medical studies please see the referring doctors tab.
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.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some risk factors in developing periodontal disease include:
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes
- Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Fillings that have become defective
- Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Several warning signs that can signal a problem:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, 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 partial dentures
According to a recent report by the The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), revealed evidence of reactions to the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Click here to learn more about the importance of periodontal health as related to cardiovascular health.
In addition, it is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs! That is why it is very important to have regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
Orlando Periodontics provides a comprehensive array of services to detect and treat periodontal (gum) disease. Gum diseases are often painless and it is not unusual for it to go undetected until it is too late. Many who have gum disease do not realize they have it. Sometimes the only way to determine if you have the disease is through a periodontal evaluation performed by a periodontist.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing,
- Gums that pulled away from the teeth,
- Persistent bad breath,
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together,
- Pus between your teeth and gums,
- And sores in your mouth.
Assess your risk
The American Academy of Periodontology has a free risk assessment quiz you can use to determine if you are at risk for gum disease.
Click here to take the Assess Your Gum Disease Risk
