The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. This begins with plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone resulting in periodontitis. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Most people will experience periodontal disease at some stage in their lives, however most people remain unaware as the disease can often be painless in its early stages, known as gingivitis. *Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss among older adults, and if left unchecked can contribute to other, more serious conditions including stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.
A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimetres or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimetres. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.
Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
Advanced Periodontitis
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate your stage of periodontal disease, present you with all the necessary information and recommend the appropriate treatment.
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time, while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and help the healing process.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be required to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone). Some treatment options that may be employed include:
Pocket elimination surgery – The dentist may choose to perform “flap surgery” to directly reduce the size of the gum pockets.
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Regular brushing and a thorough oral hygiene routine helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention and a professional clean at regular check-ups.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings around four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
There are genetic and environmental factors involved in the onset of gum disease, and in many cases the risk of developing periodontitis can be significantly lowered by taking preventative measures.
Some of the most common causes of gum disease include,
*Reference from American Academy of Periodontology, Causes of Gum disease, accessed on July 2011
Periodontal disease, heart disease and stroke may seem to be unlikely bedfellows, but *researchers have found that gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. In addition, *research has discovered that oral infection is a risk factor for stroke. People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (or silent stroke) were more likely to also be experiencing some degree of periodontal disease.
Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become progressively thicker due to the build-up of fatty proteins. The heart then suffers from a lack of oxygen and must labour significantly harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes experience blood clots which obstruct normal blood flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to function properly. This phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.
There is little doubt that the presence of periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions. The periodontist and cardiologist generally work as a team in order to treat individuals experiencing both conditions.
There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke and periodontal disease, including the following:
*Reference from American Academy of Periodontology, The Mouth-Body Connection, accessed April 2011
or call us on (08) 9592 2210
*Reference from American Academy of Periodontology, The Mouth-Body Connection, accessed April 2011
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Pay nothing on the following preventive services:
or call us on (08) 9592 2210
Address: Unit 4/31 Council Avenue, Rockingham, WA 6168
Parking: Free parking is available on site. Access via Goddard street.
Contact Us: (08) 9592 2210 or Book Online