Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adult dental patients and can present serious health problems. Many patients with this condition don't know it until symptoms progress to advanced stages of disease.
Hygienists at Sauer Dentistry, located in Greenwood at 1648 Fry Road, Ste. A, indicate that in general women are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The chances of developing periodontal disease also increase with age. Additionally, smokers should be aware that they may experience slower healing, deeper gum pockets, faster bone loss and more calculus (tartar) deposits on the teeth than non-smokers.
While Sauer hygienists Megan Stotts, Jennifer Iannotti, Julie Harris and Chaya Morris state that dental self-tests are not intended to substitute for dental advice or a comprehensive periodontal assessment, they can be helpful in identifying common risk factors related to gum disease.
Industry sources indicate nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older, or about 64.7 million people, have some form of periodontal disease. The prevalence increases with age, affecting approximately 70% of adults 65 and older.
Hygienist Megan asks if teeth and gums bleed during brushing and flossing?
"Bleeding is one of the most common general symptoms of periodontal disease. Unexplained bleeding while brushing and flossing teeth is a sure sign something is amiss and needs prompt attention by a health professional," she says.
Hygienist Jennifer asks if there are loose or wobbly teeth?
"Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that infect soft tissue and damage supporting structures around teeth over time. As bone and soft tissue are compromised due to infection, the teeth become less firmly attached and may wobble, shift or fall out completely," she states.
Hygienist Julie asks if teeth suddenly looking longer?
"Gum recession is a highly visible warning sign of periodontal disease. If teeth appear longer than before, gums may be receding as bacteria and debris deepen periodontal pockets around teeth. While some gum recession is expected as we age, soft tissue problems resulting from periodontal disease cause significant and quick recession," she reveals.
Hygienist Chaya asks if any relatives have periodontal disease?
"Despite a rigorous oral hygiene routine, 30% of the population may be genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be spread through bacteria found in saliva. When saliva is passed through common contact, couples and children are at additional risk for gum disease," she shares.
This dental team also asks if there are previous gum problems or health conditions?
They say a personal history of gum problems, such as general soft tissue irritation and inflammation, increases the risk of advanced periodontal disease sixfold.
Heart disease, high stress, diabetes, osteoporosis and osteopenia are all linked to periodontal disease. Medications taken for these illnesses also can render gums more sensitive to bacteria commonly found in mouths.
Daily brushing and flossing reduces amounts of harmful oral bacteria and keeps calculus formation to a minimum. However, periodontal disease can progress without any noticeable symptoms, so Whitney Marsh, DMD, says it's essential to get a dental check-up and professional cleaning twice a year. "This professional cleaning removes tartar and assists in maintaining better gum health over time," she adds.
For those who complete this dental self-test and found themselves to be at risk, or have more questions regarding periodontal disease, Aaron Sauer, DDS, confirms it's time to ask an oral health professional about treatment for soft tissue infection and how to prevent additional gum problems.
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Nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, which is a leading threat to dental health and the most common cause of tooth loss.
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup, a sticky bacteria, around teeth. If not removed, it can cause inflammation and infection, which breaks down gum tissue, bone and connective tissue.