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Dentist Blog
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February 15, 2008
by www.dentalplans.com
Periodontal disease is defined as an infection caused in the periodontium. The periodontium is the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is composed of several components such as the gingiva, the cementum, the periodontal ligaments as well as the alveolar bone. When infection in these regions causes inflammation, it is known as periodontitis that is also called Pyorrhea alveolaris. According to research, 50% of American citizens who are over 30 have some form of the disease and almost 10% of the cases deal with severe forms of periodontal disease.
Between the teeth and the gums, there is a deep crevice that acts as a connective tissue between the two. This is called the sulcus and this is where periodontal disease usually occurs. This tissue is often infected, which leads to break down and severe bone loss in and around the root region, if the condition is not treated early on. Microbial plaque and biofilms are the root cause of periodontium. Plaque is colonies of toxin producing bacteria that collect on the surface of the teeth every day. It is because of this acid production that the gum tissue separates from the tooth. This leads to periodontal disease and bone loss along the gum line.
With time, plaque and tartar buildup progress to form pockets. The vacant space formed becomes home to colonies of harmful bacteria. These vacant spaces that get infected separate the teeth from the gums. Periodontitis can affect the teeth in mild forms but sometimes it can also cause severe damage.
In the preliminary stages, it is called gingivitis, which may redden the gums and cause bleeding. However, the effects of gingivitis are reversible if treated with proper care. This includes regular brushing, dental flossing and decreasing the rate of dental plaque and tartar build up. Although gingivitis does not cause bone loss, it may advance into severe plaque build and eventually periodontal disease.
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February 14, 2008
by Dr. Elizabeth Smoots
Did you know that good dental hygiene keeps more than just your mouth healthy? A growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important for the health of your entire body.
Oh, come on … How could that be? Well, it turns out that gum disease releases bacteria and their products into the bloodstream. This can trigger a whole host of disease and problems throughout the body.
For the sake of your overall health and well-being, it’s essential to properly care for your teeth.
Periodontal disease
It’s a common condition that can progressively lead to damage of your gums. It starts with the accumulation of dental plaque — a sticky, colorless material that accumulates at the gum line of your teeth.
Next, bacteria thriving in the plaque produce toxic substances. The toxins cause gum inflammation or gingivitis, which eventually progresses to destruction of the soft tissue and bone that supports our teeth.
An estimated 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease. Red, tender and swollen gums, or those that bleed easily when brushed, are early signs of the disorder. The majority of people, however, have no early symptoms. The condition can lead to gum pockets, loose teeth, a changed bite or poorly fitting dental appliances.
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February 13, 2008
By Dairy Herd news source
A recent study published in the January issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), shows that routine intake of dairy products may also help promote periodontal health.
The study analyzed the periodontal health of 942 people and determined that those who regularly consumed dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt had a lower instance of gum disease.
Research has suggested that periodontal disease may affect overall systemic health, says study author Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. “This study reinforces what much of the public already knows — the importance of dairy in helping achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.”
Study participants aged 40 through 79 were examined on two periodontal parameters that can indicate gum disease; periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue. Researchers observed that subjects who consumed 55 or more grams of products containing lactic acid each day had a significantly lower prevalence of deep PD and severe CAL, therefore demonstrating a lower instance of periodontal disease.
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February 1, 2008
by Anthony Stai
If you are asking yourself, “How can I stop gum disease?”, a good way to start is to understand the conditions of the disease. The two basic types of gum diseases or periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the first phase of periodontal disease. It results when plaque forms on the teeth’s surface and the gum line. When plaque builds up, the bacteria that compose it cause inflammation in the gums. A person with gingivitis has red and puffy gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis develops into periodontitis over time. At this phase, bacterial infection damages the bones that support teeth and the connecting gum tissue resulting in pockets where more bacteria can flourish. This condition ultimately leads to tooth loss.
How can I stop gum disease?
Detecting and treating the problem while it has just started is the best way to put a stop to periodontal disease. Pay attention to your gum’s health. Healthy gums should be pink in color, firm, odorless and should not bleed with normal brushing. If the condition of your gums is the opposite, you likely have a problem. Make sure to see your dentist regularly. Most people are not aware they have a problem until their dentist points out the problem to them.
How can I stop gum disease through clinical treatment?
Your dentist or periodontist may perform several cleaning procedures in your mouth. Root planing or scaling are ways to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar in your teeth and gums. Your dentist may also place antimicrobial liquid solutions beneath your gum line through a procedure called periodontal irrigation to wash out any remaining bacteria in the infected gums.
Severe gum diseases may require periodontal surgery, which removes the infected gum to expose and strip off bacteria. In case of critical bone loss, the dentist will perform a bone graft. To complete the surgery, the dentist will cover the treated area with a new gum line through a skin graft.
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