Q: What is Periodontal disease?
A: According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults over the age of 30. The CDC states that 42% of adults have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is reversible gum tissue inflammation. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which destroys some of the jaw bone that holds the teeth in place. Some symptoms of periodontal disease can include red swollen gums, bleeding gums, gums that recede from the teeth to expose roots, and bad breath. Loose adult teeth are a symptom of severe periodontal disease and often lead to tooth loss. Often there are no visible symptoms of periodontal disease because it is deep below the gums. Once diagnosed and treated, regular dental cleanings and proper home care often stop disease progression.
While genetics and general health can have a significant impact, the environment your teeth live in plays a big role in whether or not you will develop periodontal disease. Proper dental care at home can improve the environment. Bacteria eat the same foods you do and secrete a sticky byproduct that allows bacteria to grow, multiply, and colonize in your mouth quickly after eating. The colonies of bacteria form what is called plaque. You can disrupt the bacterial plaque by brushing and flossing. It is important to brush twice daily and floss once daily to rid your teeth of plaque and leftover food that feeds bacterial plaque. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque is below your gums and cannot be entirely removed with floss and a toothbrush. That leftover plaque will harden and calcify to form calculus. Once calculus forms on your teeth, it can only be removed with specialized instruments and skill in a dental office. Introducing chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, or vaping increases the inflammatory response to bacteria and causes more rapid destruction of the jaw bone. Your dentist can evaluate you for periodontal disease with X-rays and take specialized measurements when they look inside your mouth. If you have periodontal disease, dental treatment can help you maintain the bone support and teeth you have.
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-Julie Koch-Womer, DDS
Elite Dental, Dyersville, IA