Feb 10, 2011
As reviewed by Top Philadelphia Dentist, Dr. Stephen Brown
Periodontal disease is the most common reason why people lose their teeth. Typical symptoms include swollen gums, receding gums, bleeding gums, gum abscesses, teeth that are loose, and breath malodor. Over time a substantial amount of the jaw bone supporting the teeth is lost, and with it the function and cosmetics of the teeth. The ultimate result is tooth loss.
How does one contract this disease? Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection characterized by an inflammatory process which damages the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. It damages the bone and gum tissue that support the teeth. It has been estimated that seven out of ten adults have some form of Periodontal (gum) disease. The sad part is that most individuals are unaware of the presence of the disease until it is too late!
There is a misconception that the bacteria associated with periodontal are the direct cause of the damage to the oral tissues. However, this is only partly true. The damage is actually caused by the body’s immune response to the disease. Once the infection takes place, the body’s defense system begins to fight the disease by producing enzymes which actually damage the tissues that support the teeth in the jaws. This inflammatory process is often accelerated due to genetic factors as well as factors such as medications, smoking, depression, diabetes, and intraoral tobacco products. Individually, or in combination, these factors have a substantial effect on the severity of periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene creates an environment in the mouth that is favorable to the colonization of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. What people don’t realize is that this disease can easily be prevented by regular brushing, the use of dental floss and other oral health aids. Most importantly is regular professional dental care. While the disease is easy to prevent, it is extremely difficult to stop once the infection becomes established in the tooth supporting tissues.
The best way to prevent gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth is not enough. Cleaning in-between the teeth also a crucial component of remaining bacterial plaque free. If flossing seems like a chore, there are other products out there that can make cleaning between the teeth easier. Look for thin toothpicks or products called Stimudents, which essentially perform a similar function as dental floss by disrupting the bacterial colonies between the teeth. With proper oral hygiene and consistent professional dental care, periodontal disease can be prevented or treated in the earliest stages, before irreversible damage occurs.
Learn more about Dr. Stephen Brown- Top Philadelphia Periodontist
Visit Dr. Brown’s Practice Website for more information on LANAP Surgery and Periodontal Disease
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