Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease and How does it affect my body?

Periodontal disease starts when tarter and bacteria trapped under the gum line lead to infection. As a result, the gums become inflamed. Eventually pockets form between tooth and gum, making plaque harder to remove. Left untreated, the disease advances and bone damage occurs. Ultimately, this can lead to the loss of teeth.

There are 3 main stages of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis – The mildest form of periodontal disease can usually be reversed with dental cleanings, and good hygiene at home. But, left untreated, it can progress to Periodontitis.

• Periodontitis – A condition when infection and inflammation spread to the bone supporting the teeth. Ligaments break down and the gums may recede. There are different treatment options designed to stop or slow down this disease.

• Advanced Periodontal Disease – This is the most severe form of gum disease. Pockets deepen even more and can fill with pus. Bone loss continues. Teeth loosen due to loss of bone and ligament.

Loosing bone structure and teeth is bad enough but what most patients fail to realize is that the health of your mouth, teeth and gums has a direct impact on your overall health! Recent reports have linked gum disease with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and low birth weight babies. Furthermore, researchers have found that a history of gum disease can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 64%. Fact is, the bacteria that causes gums to become inflamed can and will travel throughout the entire body.

“Periodontal disease is epidemic, inaction is not an option.”

What is Periodontal Probing?

Periodontal probing is the essential tool in diagnosing gum disease. A probe, with ruled millimeter markings is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters. Depths greater than this may indicate Gum Disease. Floss can clean up to about 3mm deep into a pocket, any deeper we lose the ability to remove the bacteria and our condition worsens by the day.