PERIODONTAL DISEASE

WHAT IS IT ?

Periodontal Disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the gum fibers and the bone that holds your teeth in place.

WHAT CAUSES IT ?

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth.  If the plaque is not removed, it turns into a hard substance called calculus.  The toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque and calculus irritate the gums, causing infection.  There are other factors that contribute to the disposition or progression of periodontal disease, such as: smoking, pregnancy, stress, medications, diabetes, poor nutrition, systemic disease and teeth grinding/clenching.

WHAT HAPPENS ?

The gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque and more infection.  As the disease progress, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth become loose.  If the disease goes untreated, the teeth may need to be removed.

SYMPTOMS ? 

It is usually painless until it reaches more advanced stages. Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present.  However there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection, such as: Red or swollen gums, Bleeding when brushing, Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums, Receding gums, Bad breath, Loose, separating or protruding teeth or Spaces between teeth. 

THE SYSTEMIC CONNECTION

Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. People with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease.  Periodontists do know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are cause for concern.  Research is suggesting that this may:

Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death. Bacteria from the mouth may
cause clotting problems in the
cardiovascular system,  

Increase the risk of stroke.

Increase a woman's risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby.

Uncontrolled Diabetes - 
• Chronic periodontal disease can
disrupt diabetic control
• Smokers with diabetes increase
their risk of tooth loss by 20 times
• People with type II diabetes are
more likely to develop periodontal
disease than are nondiabetics

Severe Osteopenia - 
• Reduction in bone mass
(osteopenia/osteoporosis) may
lead to tooth loss because the
density of the bone that supports
the teeth may be decreased

Preterm or Low Birthweight Babies - 
• Women with advanced gum
disease may be more likely to
give birth to an underweight or
preterm baby
• Oral microbes can cross the placental
barrier, exposing the fetus to infection

Respiratory Disease - Oral bacterium linked with gum disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  Oral bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and colonize; causing bacterial infections.  Studies have shown that the repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia.  Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity.  This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by body’s immune system.

For more information on the Medical-Periodontal connection visit the American Academy of Periodontology: http://www.perio.org