PERIODONTAL DISEASE

• Periodontal Disease - General Information
• Periodontal Disease - Effects on the Body
• Gingival (Gum) Recession
• When to See a Periodontist?
• Preventing Gum Disease
• Women and Periodontal Health

Preventing Periodontal (Gum) Diseases

Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. At least three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by daily thorough tooth brushing and flossing techniques and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, some people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Unfortunately many times the early stages of the disease are painless and ofter is without symptoms until severe stages. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Other important factors that can negatively affect the health of your gums include: tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, some medications, some chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes), and poor nutrition. Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker believe that controlling these conditions is critical to successful periodontal and dental implant treatment, and work closely with your general dentist and your physicians to ensure your health is optomized to help obtain the best outcome during treatment.

Periodontal Disease & Tobacco

You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Current studies have now also linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage. Cases of periodontal disease are more severe in smokers and tobacco-users than those who do not use tobacco. There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth, and a greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth. Clinical studies have shown that smokers lose seven (7) times more teeth than non-smokers. In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with both smoking and with the use the use of smokeless tobacco as well.

Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar also slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment. Quitting smoking and tobacco-use can have innumerous benefits for your overall and periodontal health.