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Periodontics | Gum Disease
During a dental checkup, the depth of the "pockets" between tooth and gum are measured. Unusually deep pockets create an environment where gum disease progresses.
The Facts About Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is the single most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that left untated, can lead to tooth loss. This inflammatory disease is a chroninc bacterial infection that affects the gums, bones and other supporting structures of teeth.
Stages and Progression
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, there is usually little or no discomfort. It is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Early-stage gum disease is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care
Untreated, early-stage gum disease can advance to more serious periodontitus. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause them to become red, tender, and swollen. If not removed daily, plaque hardens to form calculus (tarter) around the back of the teeth. With time, plaque can spread and grow beneath the gumline. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response that breaks down the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Eventually gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. In time, teeth can become loose and may be removed. Gum disease is also linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.
Other Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Physical and chemical irritants - Impacted food, tobacco products, alcohol and the improper use of dental floss or tooth picks may irritate gum tissue
- Abnormal oral conditions or habits - Badly aligned teeth, poorly fitting bridges or partial dentures, defective fillings and harmful habits, such as grinding the teeth and chewing ice, can also cause problems
- Unbalanced diet - Evidence shows a link between nutritional deficiency and the body's ability to fight off infection.
- Women and hormones - Some life stages for women require extra attention to oral health including puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth-weight babies.
- Certain medications - Oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs, steriods and cancer therapy drugs may have a negative effect.
- Certain diseases and conditions - Diabetes, uremia, liver cirrhosis, anemia and leuemia are among the many diseases that may affect the health of your gums. Stress is linked to many serious conditions, including lowered immunity to infection, such as periodontal disease.
What Are the Signs?
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth
- Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your fingers
- Pain when chewing
- Calculus or tarter buildup
- Teeth that seem loose or that change position
- Changes in your bite
- Changes in the way your partial dentures fit
- Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold
As the pockets deepen, it becomes impossible for you to clean out the plaque through brushing or flossing. Note here the buildup of plaque as it begins to damage the gum tissue.
During a dental checkup, the depth of the "pockets" between tooth and gum are measured. Unusually deep pockets create an environment where gum disease progresses.
Diagnosis
A thorough oral examination, including x-rays, is crucial to diagnosing periodontal disease. In most cases, we recommend an in-office exam and tooth cleaning for all adults twice a year. At that time, we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between the tooth and the gum tissue. The pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays help us determine the precise location, extent and severity of gum disease.
Treatment
The type of treatment you require depends on your particular case. Individualized treatment may include the following:
- More frequent cleanings. It may take the bacteria at the base of the pocket up to three months to colonize into numbers able to destroy bone. Frequent cleanings can prevent this buildup.
- Scaling and root planing is the non-surgical removal of the calculus deposits from your teeth. Root planing is the smoothing of the root surfaces so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. Even when this procedure is successful, the majority of patients will need ongoing maintainance therapy to maintain health.
- Laser therapy may offer potential benefits to patients for removing the calculus from the root pockets where bacteria reside.
People who have transferred to a new town or ignored their dental health for years must find the right dentist in Boynton Beach. Many dentists are available in large cities and small towns, but most people know that some of them are not trustworthy, friendly, or affordable enough. Selecting the most suitable dentist Boynton Beach provider is important because the wrong service could have permanent effects on patients.
Insurance does not pay for cosmetic procedures. Some plans cover specific procedures like restorative dentistry but the cosmetic aspect of seeing a professional is rarely covered. The right Boynton Beach dentist corrects a long line of problems that have occurred recently or over time. Specialists can replace missing teeth, fill openings between teeth, decrease the gum line for people who have gummy smiles, and replace metal fillings with white ones. The procedures used in this field also improve the way that people bite and chew.
Periodontics is a dental specialty that involves the gum tissues surrounding the teeth and the numerous problems associated with this area. Gum conditions indicate poor health and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The worst problem about this problem is the slow progression. At first, it seems like there is no problem and the symptoms are hard to find. Also, a significant cause is the deposit of plaque on the teeth caused by inefficient cleaning. Gum disease is an occurrence that the right dentist in Boynton Beach should work to prevent at all stages. Many dentists treat damaged areas and know their qualifications in treating specific problems.
Individuals and families must select a trusted dentist Boynton Beach provider for the health of the mouth and body. Similar to other doctors, dentists have their own opinions and techniques that differ from the industry standard, so customers must find the one who can provide the services they want and who is compatible with their beliefs. Additional important recommendations include looking over the office and checking for cleanliness because some staff members do not even wear gloves or reuse equipment. Interacting well with the Boynton Beach dentist staff is necessary, as well. Not all dentists and medical professionals are made equally so choosing carefully and not being afraid to ask questions is recommended.