Periodontitis Preventative Care

Today, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the 30 and above age bracket.

Periodontitis – What is it?

Approximately 40% of adults experience permanent gum disease, which compromises the underlying bony structure and support systems of the teeth. It can be easily prevented with regular visits to the hygienist and a personal oral hygiene routine, once you understand what the disease is and are committed to treating it. Successful management depends on your acceptance to control the disease and your actions to do so.

Periodontitis is a disease of the gums and the deeper supporting tissues of the teeth. It involves the gum tissue; its attachment to and the bone around the teeth. Usually it results from chronic gingivitis left untreated which results in the gum infection attacking the fibres that support the tooth in the jaw. It can be acute or chronic, generalised or localised.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

What causes gum disease?

It is caused by plaque, a sticky bacterial substance at the gum-line. These bacteria, when undisturbed, accumulate at the gum margin and produce toxins and acids that irritate the gums. This causes bleeding gums or gingivitis in the short-term and can be successfully managed with meticulous oral hygiene.

Eventually, the undisturbed plaque hardens to form calculus due to the calcium ions in saliva. This calculus cannot be removed through brushing or flossing and provides and ideal site for further anaerobic bacteria growth and invasion of the gum tissues begins. The bacteria then begin to damage the gum (gingiva), attachment fibres (periodontal ligament) and bony support of the teeth. This can lead to loosening of the teeth.

It is important to have the calculus removed (by the hygienist) to ensure plaque control and healing of the gum tissues. Additionally, medical conditions; such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain medications (anti-convulsant and contraceptive pills) and lifestyle habits like smoking, further reduce the immune systems’ ability to overcome gum infection. Hence, the value of a maintenance programme that entails regular three – six monthly dental hygiene visits.

Can it be cured?

Periodontitis is an irreversible condition and can therefore be treated, not cured. It involves permanent loss of attachment and support of the teeth. Treatment aims at preventing advancement of the condition and involves some regeneration of attachment of the gums to the teeth. It will also significantly reduce bleeding, sensitive gums and bad breath. Successful gum treatment by the hygienist and meticulous home-care (flossing, brushing, mouth-washing) will resolve gum inflammation so that the gums appear pink and firm instead of red and swollen.

Why treat periodontitis if it can’t be cured?

Recent research documents a link between gum health and overall wellbeing. For example, diabetics find that when their gum disease is controlled, their blood glucose levels tend to be as well. Untreated periodontitis may be associated with increased risk of heart attack and infection. Aside from considerable medical considerations, periodontitis can also be involved in a host of dental issues. Abscesses, loosening of teeth and decay are commonly associated with gum disease. The value to your health of treating and managing periodontitis cannot be understated.

What Can I do to protect my teeth and gums for life?

• Commit to and attend recall appointments every 3, 4, or 6 months, as recommended by the hygienist.
• Personal oral hygiene routine
• Effective brushing 2-3 minutes twice daily, using an electric toothbrush
• Brush with extra soft bristles
• Daily flossing
• Tongue cleaning
• Mouthwash (without alcohol) to reduce the accumulation of dental plaque

Remember always, prevention is far more effective than treatment. Gum disease is never completely cured, only managed; which at d-spa, we’re very good at!

Follow the links below to find out more about Periodontitis treatment:

• How is it treated?
• What is involved in maintenance?