By age 45, over 80 percent of Americans will have some form of periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection that gradually destroys the tissue that supports your teeth.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Bacteria in plaque produces toxins or poisons, which irritate the gums and cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.
Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (tartar). This can occur both above and below the gumline. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone holding teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to gum recession, decay, and even tooth loss.
Fortunately, many treatments exist for periodontal disease, and with proper care and maintenance, its progression can be delayed or even stopped. Implant & Periodontal Associates Northwest offers a broad range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for all stages of the disease, and we can work with your regular dentist to manage your condition and restore your health.
Call us at (509) 542-9111 or use our online appointment request form to start your gum disease consultation and treatment today!
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| • | Red, swollen, or tender gums |
| • | Gums that bleed easily while brushing and flossing |
| • | Persistent bad breath |
| • | A receding gumline |
| • | Loose or separating teeth |
| • | Pus between the teeth and gums |
| • | Mouth sores or irritation that does not heal within two weeks |
| • | A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite |
It's also possible for people with periodontal disease to transmit harmful bacteria to their partners or family members through saliva, which is passed along through kissing, sharing eating utensils or water bottles, and other common contacts. Living with a person with periodontal disease puts you at greater risk.
If you have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis, research suggests that periodontal disease could be contributing to your health problems. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel into the bloodstream and pose a threat to other parts of the body.
If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned that you may be at risk for periodontal disease or related health issues, please make an appointment for an exam today.
Diagnosis and Quantification
Periodontal disease is chronic and progressive, and treatment options depend on its extent and severity. To instantly diagnose the state of your condition, we use the innovative Periodontal Risk Calculator developed by PreViser.
The calculator assigns a specific numeric score to each patient's condition and individual degree of risk, which allows us to diagnose it more accurately and predict how your case will progress.
The system gives us information about your condition that was previously unobtainable, and helps us customize preventive care and treatment recommendations to your specific case and risk factors. It also helps us determine which treatments will be most effective, and measures your health and level of risk from visit to visit.
You can read more about the Periodontal Risk Calculator technology here, or visit www.previser.com for more information about the company.
The calculator assigns a specific numeric score to each patient's condition and individual degree of risk, which allows us to diagnose it more accurately and predict how your case will progress.
The system gives us information about your condition that was previously unobtainable, and helps us customize preventive care and treatment recommendations to your specific case and risk factors. It also helps us determine which treatments will be most effective, and measures your health and level of risk from visit to visit.
You can read more about the Periodontal Risk Calculator technology here, or visit www.previser.com for more information about the company.
Prevention and Maintenance
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than cavities. Three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum disease, and the risk increases with age. The best way to prevent it is through good self-care habits, along with regular professional examinations and cleanings to remove calculus (known commonly as tartar) from places you may have missed.
Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
| • | Tobacco use, which is associated with greater calculus formation, greater loss of bone and connective gum tissue, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Chemicals in tobacco also slow down healing and can decrease your chance of success following periodontal treatment. |
| • | Diabetes, which increases the risk of oral bacterial infection and periodontal disease. Diabetes also makes periodontal problems more difficult to treat. |
| • | Certain medications, including oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones, can negatively affect gum health. |
| • | Female hormones, which can increase periodontal disease risk during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Pregnant women can experience changes in teeth and gums, and should consider their periodontal health in their plan for prenatal care. Women can also experience gum swelling, bleeding, and mouth sores in the days right before menstruation. |
| • | Puberty, which produces spikes in hormones that increase gum sensitivity and lead to greater irritation from plaque and food particles. |
Gum Disease Treatment Options
We offer many various treatments for periodontal disease depending on the stage and severity of the disease. These treatments include:
Patient's Role in Treatment
While periodontal treatment can be extremely effective, it's up to you to maintain your long-term periodontal health. This means eliminating risk factors, maintaining proper brushing and flossing habits, and controlling blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. You should also plan on regular periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months. Maintaining this schedule is very important to controlling periodontal disease and preventing future problems.
