Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, are serious bacterial infections of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. This includes gums, bone and the fibers that support your teeth and hold them in the jaw, known as periodontal ligaments. These bacterial infections can basically destroy your gums as well as the supporting bone that holds your teeth in your mouth.
The result of extreme, untreated periodontal disease is teeth that loosen and fall out, or need to be removed and replaced with dental bridges or implants. Additionally, you may require periodontal plastic surgery to cover and protect exposed tooth root surfaces, correct gum and jawbone indentations or reshape and repair the gum tissue. You may also require dental implants to replace destroyed tooth roots. Additionally, periodontal disease has been linked to a number of health problems that extend far beyond your mouth including diabetes and heart disease. According to the American Academy of Period-ontology:
“For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.”
Put simply, periodontal disease is entirely preventable through good dental habits. Additionally, periodontal disease is repairable through good dental habits.
You may have gum disease and not even know it. Often, there is no pain and periodontal diseases may not exhibit symptoms until serious bone loss has taken place. It is critical to see Dr. Hadaegh,Beverly Hills dentist, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Educate Yourself – We have provided additional information on this serious disease below. Please make yourself aware the potential issues relating to gum disease and follow the best recommendations for avoiding this serious health problem. Make an Appointment – If you have concerns, are experiencing any of the symptoms described here, or if you haven’t had a dentist visit within the last six to eight months, please contact our office today and we will make certain you are on the path to dental health.
The primary cause of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque, that sticky, colorless coating that forms on your teeth. If it’s not cleaned off – through good habits including regular dental cleanings – that bacterial plaque can infect the gums, release toxins that redden and inflame the tissue, and gradually destroy the tissues supporting the teeth and underlying bone. When this happens, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque and cause additional infection.
Other factors that can affect the health of your gums:
Dental Issues. Decayed teeth, broken or badly fitting partial dentures, crowded/crooked teeth and improperly filled teeth can “trap” the built up plaque, making it difficult to remove by at home brushing and flossing.
Health Problems. People with diseases such as diabetes and leukemia, on certain medications or with systemic conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, malnutrition or immunosuppression, may be especially vulnerable to gum disease due to lower resistance levels.
Lifestyle Issues. Poor personal oral health practices such as smoking, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and even oral piercings can contribute to periodontal disease. Additionally, stress and poor nutritional habits can weaken your body’s ability to fight off the infections that cause periodontal disease.
Hormonal Factors. Hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s key life stages – puberty, pregnancy and menopause – can trigger tissue changes in the mouth, thus increasing the possibility that a woman will develop periodontal disease.
Genetics. Genes and family history can indicate a predisposition for developing periodontal diseases.
Tobacco Use. Tobacco use is a serious contributor to periodontal disease. Continued tobacco use after periodontal treatment can impeded the healing process and diminish the likelihood of success. Smokeless tobacco is also a danger – users of this form of tobacco are at higher risk of developing oral cancer.
Medications. Certain medicines such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and some heart medicines can adversely affect your gum health.
Periodontal diseases and conditions include:
Gingivitis An inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. At this stage, there is typically no discomfort. If not properly treated, it may progress to periodontists.
Chronic Periodontitis The most common form of periodontitis is chronic periodontitis, which results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. It is diagnosed by bone loss (through dental X-rays), pocket formation and/or gum recession. It typically affects adults who are 35 or older, but it can occur at any age. Attachment loss may progress slowly, but periods of rapid progression also can occur.
Aggressive Periodontitis Less common is aggressive periodontitis, which is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. Localized aggressive periodontitis most often occurs near puberty and usually involves attachment loss around first molars and/or front teeth. Generalized aggressive periodontitis usually affects people under 30 years old and involves attachment loss on three or more permanent teeth as well as first molars and incisors.
Systemic Periodontitis Periodontitis stemming from systemic diseases often begins at a young age. It is associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory problems and diabetes.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by the death of cells in the gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone (part of the upper or lower jaw that contains roots of teeth). It most commonly occurs in patients with systemic conditions such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression. These types of periodontal diseases cause ulcers in the gums between the teeth. Stress, smoking and poor oral hygiene sometimes can contribute to this problem.
Schedule a consultation with premier Beverly Hills Dentist Neil N. Hadaegh, DDS. Your best smile calls for genuine care, personalized treatment, state-of-the-art technology, and expert precision. Contact us to design, achieve, and maintain your best smile in Beverly Hills with the help of renowned dentist Dr. Neil N. Hadaegh.
8920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 625, Beverly Hills, CA 90211