Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection that causes deterioration of gum tissue and bone support of the teeth. In a recent 5-year United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey--as cited in the report on periodontal disease in adults by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research--it affected 8.52 percent of adults 20 to 64 years of age. Severe cases of the disease were present in 5.08 percent of the population in this same age group. Ethnicity, education, income bracket and lifestyle contribute to elevated percentages of those afflicted by this problem.
Symptoms
On its website, Periodontal Associates lists some of the symptoms of gum disease as bleeding gums when brushing teeth, chronic bad breath and gums that are inflamed, puffy or sensitive. The initial stages of periodontal problems are easily reversed by regular dental cleanings and proper attention to oral hygiene. Gum disease begins with gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis usually occur before the deterioration of bone support. As gum disease progresses, loss of bone support becomes evident with the loosening of teeth, gum recession giving the appearance of elongated teeth, separation of gum tissue from teeth resulting from the loss of bone and the accumulation of debris (plaque and tartar) on the root surfaces. The space that forms between the teeth and gum tissue becomes pockets filled with inflammation, infection and possible pus formation.
Contributing Factors
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists some of the causes of gum disease as poor oral hygiene; eating a diet lacking in nutrients needed to sustain overall health; smoking; illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and AIDS; injury-related trauma; stress; pregnancy; missing teeth, and heredity.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Treatment of gum disease in its initial stages involves regular dental checkups including cleaning by a dentist or hygienist, following the instructions given by the dentist or hygienist for proper home care, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, eating a nutritionally balanced diet, and smoking cessation. Immediate attention should be given to the occurrence of any of the initial signs of gum disease to determine the cause, and corrective measures should be applied to avoid advanced periodontitis and surgery.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment begins with a thorough cleaning (scaling and root planning) performed by the periodontal specialist or the dental hygienist working in conjunction with the periodontist. During the surgical procedure, the periodontist obtains access to the root area for removal of tartar by making incisions on either side of the tooth or teeth to be treated and then flapping back the gum tissue to expose the area.
The National Dental Health Directory describes the different types of case-specific periodontal surgical procedures utilized in more advanced cases of gum disease that include tissue grafts and allografts (bone grafts) to replace gingiva (gum tissue) and bone that have deteriorated as the result of disease.
Prognosis
Even the most successful surgery can fail if the patient returns to former harmful habits. Strict adherence to proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, adequate diet and lifestyle changes (smoking cessation) are imperative for continued dental health. Failure to comply with any of the above will result in a recurrence of the original periodontal problems.
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