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Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and
periodontitis, are serious infections that, left
untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other more serious
medical problems. Periodontal disease is a chronic
bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone
supporting the teeth and can affect one tooth or many
teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the
sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your
teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums
redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually
little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often
caused by inadequate oral hygiene but is reversible with
professional treatment and good home care. If gum
disease progresses it becomes more difficult and
expensive to treat. Unfortunately with gum
disease there are usually no symptoms until it is too
late. Dr. Hagley has extensive training in the
diagnosis of periodontal disease so regular visits to
Grand Rapids Dental Care can ensure early detection of
gingivitis and prevent advancement of the disease.
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Periodontal
Disease Threatens Your Teeth and Your Health
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum
line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque
irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory
response which destroys the tissues and bone that
support the teeth. 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. Often, this destructive process
produces little or no symptoms but eventually, teeth may
become loose and have to be removed.
Healthy Gums |
Gingivitis |
Mild Periodontal Disease |
Moderate Periodontal Disease |
Severe Periodontal Disease |
Some Factors
Cause Predisposition to Periodonal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a
sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your
teeth. However, other factors may cause an increase in
susceptibility to gum disease.
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Smoking/Tobacco Use - Tobacco use is
linked to many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung
disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other
health problems. What you may not know is that
tobacco users also are at increased risk for
periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies
have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most
significant risk factors in the development and
progression of periodontal disease.
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Genetics - Research proves that up to 30%
of the population may be genetically susceptible to
gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care
habits, these people may be six times more likely to
develop periodontal disease. Identifying these
people early and getting them into preventive
treatment may help them keep their teeth for a
lifetime.
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Pregnancy - During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences
hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the
body's tissues, including the gums. This may
make a pregnant woman more susceptible to gum disease.
Gums can become sensitive, inflamed and bleed more
easily. For this reason, good oral hygiene is
very important during pregnancy. . Additionally,
recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum
disease are seven times more likely to deliver
preterm, low birth weight babies.
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Stress - Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as
hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health
problems. It is also a risk factor for
periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that
stress can make it more difficult for the body to
fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
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Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth - Clenching or grinding
your teeth can put excess force on the supporting
tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at
which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
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Diabetes - Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels
of sugar in the blood. It develops from either a
deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is
the key component in the body's ability to use blood
sugars) or the body's inability to use insulin
correctly. Diabetics are at higher risk for
developing infections, including periodontal diseases.
These infections can impair the ability to process
and/or utilize insulin, which may cause the diabetes
to be more difficult to control and cause infections
to be more severe than in a non-diabetic.
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Poor Nutrition - A diet low in important nutrients can
compromise the body's immune system and make it harder
for the body to fight off infections such as gum
disease.
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Other Systemic Diseases - Diseases that interfere with the
body's immune system may worsen the condition of the
gums.
Fortunately there is treatment for Periodontal Disease!
Regular visits to Grand Rapids Dental Care ensure early
detection of periodontal disease. Dr. Hagley has
extensive training in the diagnosis of periodontal
disease and will work closely with a periodontist when
necessary to ensure successful treatment. If
you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your
periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery.
Periodontal surgery may be necessary when bone loss is
severe and the tissues do not respond to non-surgical
therapy.
Searching
for a Grand Rapids Dentist?
Call
Grand Rapids Dental Care today at 218-326-3438.
Let us partner with you to achieve a lifetime of health,
happy smiles!
 Grand
Rapids Dental Care
220 SE 21st Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-3438
Fax: 218-327-1475
Email:
smile@grdental.com |
