What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons, which irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.

Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.

However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness and swelling do not have to be present. Furthermore, pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease and Tobacco

Problems caused by tobacco include:

• Lung disease
• heart disease, cancer, mouth sores, gum recession, loss of bone and teeth, bad breath, tooth staining, less success with periodontal treatment and with dental implants.

Stopping smoking will reduce the chance of developing the above problems.

Preventing Gum Disease

Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes 
• Stress 
• Clenching and grinding teeth 
• Medication 
• Poor nutrition

Women and Periodontal Health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body.

Fluctuations in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.  At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.

Puberty

During puberty, there is increased production of sex hormones.  These higher levels increase gum sensitivity and lead to greater irritations from plaque and food particles. The gums can become swollen, turn red and feel tender. 

Menstruation

Similar symptoms occasionally appear several days before menstruation.  There can be bleeding of the gums, bright red swelling between the teeth and gum, or sores on the inside of the cheek.  The symptoms clear up once the period has started. As the amount of sex hormones decrease, so do these problems.

Pregnancy

Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy.  Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed and become red or tender.  Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants.  However, these growths are generally painless and not cancerous.  They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.

Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care. 

The best way to prevent periodontal infections is to begin with healthy gums and continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful periodontal monitoring.

Oral contraceptives

Menopause

Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal.  They include feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery or sour tastes.

Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms. There are also saliva substitutes to treat the effects of “dry mouth.”