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Periodontal Disease – The Silent Tooth Killer

12/22/2016

5 Comments

 
Of the three ways you can lose teeth, periodontal disease – also referred to gum disease or gum and bone disease – causes the most tooth loss in adults.  Periodontal disease is a silent disease until it reaches advances stages, so without a routine dental exam, you could have it but not know it.  Of the half of adult’s that don’t go to the dentist regularly, 80% have serious periodontal disease by age 40.

The word “periodontal” describes the structures around that tooth that give it support – the gingival (gums), the bone, and the fibers in-between.  Signs that show you may have periodontal disease include:
​
  • Bleeding when brushing
  • Breath problems
  • Gums that are puffy and swollen
  • Receding gums 
  • Loose teeth
 
First, let’s take a look at the stages of periodontal disease.  

This first photo shows an example of healthy gums.  The gingival is light pink and flat, and the diagram shows the bone in-between teeth with proper support.
Picture
Healthy gums
Gingivitis is the first stage periodontal disease.  Shown in the next photo, gingivitis is a completely reversible disease.  The gums are red and swollen, but there is no damage to the bone support.
Picture
Gingivitis
In this third photo, an early stage of periodontitis is shown.  You can see the gums pulling away from the teeth as they are losing their bone support.  The teeth are sometimes more sensitive where the roots are partially exposed, but often there are no symptoms even at this stage of the disease.
early stage of periodontitis
Early stage of periodontitis
Symptoms usually don’t develop until severe bone involvement, so shown here, when the teeth become loose and sore.  By this time, it’s often too late to save the involved teeth.
Picture
Periodontitis with severe bone involvement
To check the health of your gums, your dentist gently slides a measuring probe under your gums.  Measurements are made several places around each tooth to show where the gums attach to your tooth, and if there is any bleeding or pus present.  If the periodontal support around your tooth is in good shape, the farthest that the probe should be able to measure is 3 mm, or 1/8 inch.  This is the farthest that a toothbrush and floss can clean under the gums adequately.  A measurement of 4mm or greater demonstrates evidence of periodontal disease.  Dentists refer to these areas as “periodontal pockets.”  Other signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums and receding gums.

The actual cause of periodontal disease is bacteria that live in these periodontal pockets.  In areas this far below the gums, a breeding ground develops for particular types of bacteria called anaerobes, a type of bacteria that thrives where there is no oxygen.  These bacteria release toxins that slowly cause destruction of the bone and periodontal fibers that support your teeth. 

Periodontal disease can be treated if it is caught early enough.  Much like a patient with high blood pressure, a patient with periodontal disease cannot be completely “healed” from the damage that has already been caused, but the disease can be controlled so that further damage doesn’t occur.  Treatment for periodontal disease will be covered next week.
​
If you’re concerned you may have periodontal disease, why not call us today to schedule an examination.  Click here to learn about a special offer for our web readers.  You can reach us at Flemingsburg Dental Care at 888-733-3163
5 Comments
Hailey Camila
2/8/2018 11:42:20 pm

Periodontal disease is a pathological inflammatory condition of the gum and bone support surrounding the teeth. This results there is chance the most tooth loss in adults. Due to swollen and bleeding gums, gums are infected with bacteria which causes destruction of the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone. So to less the chace of this type of dental diseases you must take good care of your teeth by brushing and do check up at a well known dental clinic such as http://www.dentalgroupofsimivalley.com/.

Reply
Austin Saunders link
1/21/2020 06:16:30 am

I like what you said about having breath problems if you have periodontal disease. My brother has been telling me about how his breath has been smelling worse than usual recently. I'll share this information with him so that he can look into his options for dentists that can provide him with some periodontal care.

Reply
Teeth whitening Auckland link
7/16/2020 11:55:12 pm

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissue around your teeth that leads to tissue, bone and tooth loss. It can be a silent tooth killer because it may develop without triggering any symptoms in your mouth. However, through quick action, gum disease can be both treated and prevented. Found an another website Whiteningco.nz it has lots of valuable information for everyone

Reply
Dentures South Auckland link
11/23/2020 08:54:03 pm

Thank you for sharing this information on periodontal disease the silent tooth killer. It was useful and interesting. You indeed have written it in a layman way so that anyone can understand and work accordingly. You have done a great job.I must say this, if you get time can visit Papakuradentalworld.co.nz for ideas on this topic.

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invisalign hamilton nz link
2/3/2021 03:39:54 am

Wonderful information, thanks a lot for sharing kind of content with us. Your blog gives the best and the most interesting information. I wonder if we can gather such practical information about periodontal disease the silent tooth killer Great one!!One must check this Victoriadentists.co.nz it gives us more info on this topic.

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  • ABOUT US
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    • Meet the Team
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  • Services
    • Same Day Services
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Invisalign >
      • Invisalign Before and After Photos
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      • Botox Before and After Photos
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      • Advanced Denture Technique
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    • Dental Resource Library
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    • Special Offers
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      • Dental Value Plan
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    • Anti-Discrimination Notice
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  • FOR DENTISTS
    • Dr. Moorhead Speaker Website
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  • Contact
    • Contact our Office
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    • Hours and Directions