The Most Common Problem presented to our office is Periodontal Disease.

Do You Have It?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, we can help you!

• do you have red, swollen, tender gums?
• do your gums bleed while brushing and/or flossing?
• do you have receding gums?
• do you have loose or separating teeth?
• do you have persistent bad breath?
• is there pus between your teeth and gums?
• do you notice a change in bite and jaw alignment?

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and/or bone that surround and support your teeth. Generally the disease is painless, and most people are not aware they have a problem until it reaches an extreme or terminal stage.   It is underdiagnosed for this and other reasons.  Periodontal disease is very common – more than 75% of North Americans have it.  Periodontal Disease affects more than just teeth, gums and bones – this chronic infection puts you at risk for other diseases like diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis. The risk of smokers developing periodontal disease is five times higher than among non-smokers; the risk for a diabetic smoker is 20 times higher.

What causes a higher risk for periodontal disease?

• deposits of harmful bacteria (plaque) because of poor personal oral care
• a diet low in nutrients
• autoimmune or systemic diseases
• diabetes

Smoking can make all of the above worse.

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

The different types of periodontal disease are often classified by the stage the disease has advanced to at the time of evaluation, including:

• gingivitis – With gingivitis, the initial form of periodontal disease, your gums are likely to become red, swollen, and tender, causing them to bleed easily during daily cleanings and flossing. Treatment by a dentist and proper, consistent care at home help to resolve the problems associated with gingivitis.
• mild periodontitis – Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis. This stage of periodontal disease shows evidence of the bone around the tooth starting to erode. Prompt attention by a dental professional is necessary to prevent further erosion and damage.
• moderate to advanced periodontitis – This most advanced stage of gum disease shows significant bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth.

Everyone has bacteria in their saliva at all times. These bacteria collect on all surfaces of the mouth, forming colorless, sticky colonies called plaque. Unfortunately, this plaque also forms in the space underneath the edge of the gums. If the plaque is not removed (something that takes careful flossing and brushing), it will start to cause an infection in the gum. Plaque that remains on the tooth for a long period of time absorbs salts from the saliva, and becomes hard. This hard substance is called calculus, or tartar, and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, and must be dislodged by a dental professional.

So what can be done?

The first line of defense is proper daily oral hygiene. The second stage of treatment is scaling and root planing. We monitor patients’ response over a period of months. For people who already have destruction of the jawbone, pocket reduction surgery may be required.

There is a new non-invasive treatment for periodontal disease – Perio Protect trays.

Perio Protect®

perioprotect.com

http://www.youtube.com/perioprotect

 

Perio Protect® trays are used to place a liquid medication into crevices or periodontal pockets, the spaces that can develop between teeth and gum tissues when gum disease is present.

Dentists may prescribe Perio Protect® trays when medications placed into the periodontal pocket could benefit a patient’s oral health.

A Perio Protect® tray is uniquely designed to fit each patient precisely. An impression of your mouth will be taken and sent with a prescription to a specialized dental laboratory for custom fabrication. Patients will receive detailed usage instructions based on their individual needs.

For most people, the Perio Protect® is used for only minutes each day. Patients describe the Perio Protect® as comfortable, convenient, and easy to use. They especially appreciate its non-invasive technology instead of surgery.

The Dental Products Report 2006 Product of Distiction
Dentistry Today Top 100 Products 2009

If you wish to have your situaton evaluated, feel free to contact our office.