PERIODONTAL GUM DISEASE
If you've been told by your dentist that you have periodontal (gum) disease, you are not alone. Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. currently have a form of this disease. Periodontal disease refers to a group of diseases ranging from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to severe periodontist (losing bone). These conditions are generally caused by the plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, mucus, and other particles. This dental plaque causes your gums to pull away from the teeth leaving an infected gum pocket around your tooth. Your body’s immune system starts to form toxins and enzymes to fight the infection, however; this causes your bone and tissue to breakdown, which results in bone loss around the teeth holding your teeth in place. If left untreated, periodontal disease results in damage to soft tissues and bone which leads to tooth loss. Most people that have periodontal disease do not know it until it’s advanced. While some symptoms are subtle, most go unnoticed, because the majority of the time there is no pain associated with the early stages of gum disease.
Symptoms
Screening and Diagnosing Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Dr. Garanzuay believes in performing regular screenings and cleanings to ensure you do not develop gum disease. Our practice believes in early intervention and prevention. One way that we are able to attain this is by recording periodontal (gum) measurements. We use a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths around each tooth in order to establish how healthy the tissue is around the tooth. Just like high blood pressure or high cholesterol are not obvious unless tested, gum disease is tested by these measurements taken usually during your cleaning appointment. Healthy gums will have a reading of 3 mm or smaller, while anything deeper than 4mm is considered unhealthy. There are 6 probing sites per tooth.
Stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Healthy: In healthy gums, the tissues are pink, firm, without any swelling or redness. Measurements are 1-3mm and cleaning every 6 months are usually enough to continue with healthy gums.
Gingivitis: The mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Measurements are 2-4 mm. The good news…Gingivitis is reversible with regular professional cleanings every 6 months and good home care.
Mild Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can periodontitis. The gums are red, swollen, bleed easy, bad smell (halitosis), and the gums start to separate from the teeth. Measurements are usually in the 4-5 mm range and require a deep cleaning also known as scaling and root planing.
Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease progresses, the gums start to separate more from the tooth and the gum tissue and bone are being destroyed. Symptoms still include: redness, swelling, easy bleeding, bad breath, the beginning of loose teeth, receding gums and food entrapment between teeth due to the bone loss. Measurement are usually in the 5-7mm range.
Severe Periodontitis: This is a very advanced stage of gum disease. The measurements are usually greater than 8mm. There will be gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, redness, swelling and easy bleeding. Treatment usually requires advanced procedures to control its progression and restore lost tissues. Usually at this stage teeth will have to be removed or the patient might need surgical procedures usually done by a specialist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is imperative that you seek treatment because periodontal disease is a progressive disease, meaning it will only get worse without treatment.
In addition to affecting the gums and bone, periodontal disease can affect your overall systemic health. Periodontal disease has been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung diseases, pre-term/low weight babies and other systemic diseases!
Symptoms
- Bad breath
- Bleeding (upon brushing or flossing)
- Swelling
- Tender gums
- Redness around the necks of the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Space between
Screening and Diagnosing Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Dr. Garanzuay believes in performing regular screenings and cleanings to ensure you do not develop gum disease. Our practice believes in early intervention and prevention. One way that we are able to attain this is by recording periodontal (gum) measurements. We use a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths around each tooth in order to establish how healthy the tissue is around the tooth. Just like high blood pressure or high cholesterol are not obvious unless tested, gum disease is tested by these measurements taken usually during your cleaning appointment. Healthy gums will have a reading of 3 mm or smaller, while anything deeper than 4mm is considered unhealthy. There are 6 probing sites per tooth.
Stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Healthy: In healthy gums, the tissues are pink, firm, without any swelling or redness. Measurements are 1-3mm and cleaning every 6 months are usually enough to continue with healthy gums.
Gingivitis: The mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Measurements are 2-4 mm. The good news…Gingivitis is reversible with regular professional cleanings every 6 months and good home care.
Mild Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can periodontitis. The gums are red, swollen, bleed easy, bad smell (halitosis), and the gums start to separate from the teeth. Measurements are usually in the 4-5 mm range and require a deep cleaning also known as scaling and root planing.
Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease progresses, the gums start to separate more from the tooth and the gum tissue and bone are being destroyed. Symptoms still include: redness, swelling, easy bleeding, bad breath, the beginning of loose teeth, receding gums and food entrapment between teeth due to the bone loss. Measurement are usually in the 5-7mm range.
Severe Periodontitis: This is a very advanced stage of gum disease. The measurements are usually greater than 8mm. There will be gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, redness, swelling and easy bleeding. Treatment usually requires advanced procedures to control its progression and restore lost tissues. Usually at this stage teeth will have to be removed or the patient might need surgical procedures usually done by a specialist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is imperative that you seek treatment because periodontal disease is a progressive disease, meaning it will only get worse without treatment.
In addition to affecting the gums and bone, periodontal disease can affect your overall systemic health. Periodontal disease has been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung diseases, pre-term/low weight babies and other systemic diseases!