Root Planning and Gum Disease

08/10/2011

Introduction

Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease classified as periodontal disease. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal diseases are caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, creating toxins that attack the gums. These gum diseases infect the supporting tissues of the teeth in the v-shaped crevice between tooth and gums known as the sulcus.

Gingivitis is considered a mild, early stage of periodontal disease, indicated by red, swollen gums that can bleed easily. Good dental hygiene consisting of daily brushing and flossing should eliminate the infection at this stage.

In more advanced stages of periodontal disease, the sulcus can develop into a pocket so deep the tooth is no longer supported and can loosen, fall out, or must be removed by a dentist.

Risk Factors

A number of risk factors increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. These include:

• Certain types of medications and medical treatments
  These can include steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives. Some medications reduce the production of saliva which can affect gum tissue health. Others can stimulate abnormal gum tissue growth.
• Diabetes or other systemic diseases
  Cancer and HIV compromise the immune system, making the gums more vulnerable to infection. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, which raises infection risk.
• Ill-fitting bridges
  Bridges that do not fit properly can hide food particles from proper cleansing, thereby encouraging the growth of plaque.
• Fillings that have become defective
  Defective fillings may trap bacteria and plaque, increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease.
• Pregnancy and other hormonal changes
  Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation all make the gums more sensitive.
• Tobacco smoking or chewing
  These products present an obstacle to the gum tissue’s ability to repair itself.
• Poor dental hygiene
  Failure to brush and floss regularly will allow plaque to develop.
  

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Warning signs of gingivitis include:

• Bleeding gums during teeth brushing
• Irritated gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

Often gingivitis sufferers have no symptoms. Regular visits to your dentist can assure early detection and prevention.

Detection, Treatment and Prevention

Early detection of gingivitis is the best non-surgical way to reverse the disease. In an office visit, your dentist will examine:

• Your gums for pockets between the gums and teeth
• Your teeth for looseness or sensitivity
• Your bite for changes in alignment
• Your jaw (using x-rays) to determine if the bone has deteriorated in any way.

Gum disease often can be reversed by twice-daily brushing and flossing. Food particles trapped between teeth and under gums will create plaque in hard to reach places. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss or interdental cleaners, and toothpastes and oral rinses with fluoride will help to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

Eating a balanced diet with limited between-meal snacks will also help to reduce the risk of gingivitis. Choose foods from the basic food groups: grains and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry and fish, and dairy products.

Depending on the severity of the gum disease, treatments can vary from non-surgical bacterial-limiting therapies to surgeries that repair supporting tissues.

Finally, scheduling regular check ups with your dentist for professional cleanings and exams is an essential element of an effective dental hygiene regimen to avoid gum disease. Maintaining this regimen will ensure healthy – and long lasting – teeth and gums.

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04/12/2005
Recent studies show that more than 90 percent of the adult U.S. population—literally millions of people—suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Are you one of them? Periodontal diseases affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth, and left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The article below describes types of periodontal diseases, their signs and risk factors. Also described is the role of the periodontist, a dentist who specializes in periodontal disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and what you can expect when you visit a periodontist.

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