Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleaning & check up with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated would lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, floss and regular dental cleaning help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and exposes the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes of the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of the partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

What is the association between periodontal disease and heart disease?

    

 Some patients and healthcare providers continue to claim that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease. 

2014 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine claimed that patients who were treated for periodontal disease have lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations for coronary artery disease.

Another study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Tooth loss in adults may be linked to a greater risk of heart disease.  Here are the test results:

·       Study participants possess all of their natural teeth                           4.7% has heart disease

·       Study participants missing 1-5 teeth                 experienced 21% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants missing 6-31 teeth               experienced 60% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants with no teeth                                   experienced 81% increase of heart disease

Results of this study are consistent with other research that links periodontal disease and tooth loss to an increased risk of heart attack.  However, researchers note that these results do not prove that tooth loss and periodontal disease cause heart disease and that more research is needed.

How is periodontal disease associated with heart disease?                                                        Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside of the mouth.  In heart disease, one theory is that periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels.  This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks.

 Regular healthy habits can lower the risk of both periodontal disease and heart disease.