Periodontal disease is the medical term for gum disease. This dental condition can cause the gums to become irritated and swollen and, if allowed to progress, can also cause the teeth to get loose or fall out. Proper dental care and good oral hygiene at home are important tools in preventing this disease.
Types
Periodontal disease can be classified as gingivitis or periodontitis. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that can cause the gums to get red or swollen and bleed easily. This form of periodontal disease often occurs when someone does not have good oral hygiene, but it can be reversed if treated by a dental professional and followed with improved oral hygiene. Periodontitis is the more severe form of periodontal disease. This condition occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line and irritates the gums.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk that you will develop a form of periodontal disease. Tobacco chewing or smoking can make you susceptible to gingivitis or periodontitis. Diabetes and other systemic diseases also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Some drugs can contribute to the development of this type of disease. They include calcium channel blockers, anti-epilepsy medications, steroids, oral contraceptives and drugs used to treat cancer. Crooked teeth, ill-fitting bridges and defective fillings are also risk factors for periodontal disease.
Warning Signs
It is important to get regular dental care, because periodontal disease does not cause warning signs or symptoms in some people. However, several warning signs can indicate there is a problem. According to the American Dental Association, warning signs of periodontal disease include swollen and tender gums, gums that bleed easily, chronic bad breath, loose or separating permanent teeth, changes in the way teeth fit together and changes in the way partial dentures fit.
Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is diagnosed with a physical examination of the gums. The gums are examined to determine if swelling, bleeding and redness are present. Periodontal screening and recording is also done to determine how far periodontal disease has advanced. This is done by using a periodontal probe and a mirror to measure the depth of the gum pockets. According to the New York Times Health Guide on periodontal disease, a pocket depth of more than 3 mm indicates the presence of periodontal disease. X-rays and measurement of tooth movement may also be used to diagnose periodontal disease.
Treatment
When pockets are greater than 3 mm, scaling and root planing may be done to treat periodontal disease. Scaling is a procedure that is used to remove tartar and plaque that have accumulated below the gumline. Root planing is done to smooth the surfaces of the tooth's root so that the gum tissue can heal. This procedure also prevents the accumulation of plaque along the the surfaces of the root. Medications may also be prescribed to control pain or treat infection of the gums.
Prevention
Preventing periodontal disease starts with good oral hygiene, which involves proper brushing and flossing. Brush at least twice per day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles from between the teeth. Get regular dental checkups and dental cleanings to prevent plaque from building up and causing periodontal disease.
