Periodontal (gum disease) information
What is a Periodontist?
A Periodontist is a Dental Surgeon who has specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
Periodontists are able to offer procedures that are generally outside the scope of General Dentists and Hygienists. Many general dental practices will be able to diagnose and offer help for periodontal disease at early stages. This may involve the Dentist or a Dental Hygienist providing treatment. However, not all conditions respond in a reasonable time frame. In some cases, untreated gingivitis will advance to periodontitis and at this stage the damage is irreversible. Specialist periodontal treatment is required to limit further dterioration and restore optimum oral health.
Pritlove-Carson Associates in Windsor, Berkshire aim to work with the natural dentition as far as possible, achieving optimal restoration while setting the foundations for long-term periodontal health. We believe in clear lines of communication so that patients can make informed choices within their budget.
What is Periodontal (gum) disease?
'Periodontal' refers to the area around your teeth, gums, bones and ligaments that support them. These structures are essential foundations for 'teeth for life' and can be damaged by bacterial infection causing chronic inflammation.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many and can result in bleeding, pain and tooth loss if not treated. The damage caused to the bone and gums is irreversible, but proper treatment and aftercare can prevent further harm. In some cases other medical problems are linked to severe gum disease.
What has caused the disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth in the sticky colourless film which constantly forms on your teeth and is known as dental plaque. This does not necessarily mean that your teeth are not being cleaned properly, but some individuals are more susceptible than others. What begins as sore, reddened gums (gingivitis) may progress to periodontitis as plaque grows below the gum line. The gums then separate from the teeth, forming pockets which become infected with harmful bacteria.
Additional factors
Factors such as smoking, stress, a sugary diet and pregnancy can make you more vulnerable. Scientists now know there is also a genetic tendency towards the disease in the most severe cases. Other conditions such as Diabetes, in which the immune system is compromised, can also leave you more prone to periodontal problems.
Who develops periodontal (gum) disease?
Not just those with poor oral hygiene and a high-sugar diet. There is often a genetic factor determining which patients will suffer from periodontal disease. Anatomical factors such as size and shape of the tooth root, thickness of bone and attached gingivae will determine the likelihood of these structures breaking down when exposed to plaque, infection or trauma.
Insidious and destructive
Apart from the obvious pain and misery caused to patients by tooth mobility and resulting tooth loss, scientific research is highlighting an even more deadly side effect of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease (CIPD).
Both British and American research has demonstrated a link between CIPD and life-threatening conditions such as cardio-vascular disease. Sufferers from periodontitis have twice the risk of a fatal heart attack than those with healthy gums. Recent findings show that bacteria enter the blood through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots, which contribute to clogged arteries.
Evidence also shows pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to have a premature or low birth weight child or suffer miscarriage.
In addition, the disease heightens the risk of respiratory problems such as pneumonia, emphysema and bronchitis, and links to Alzheimer’s disease and early dementia.
