About Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Periodontal disease affects the gums and the underlying bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria which constantly collect on the teeth to form a biofilm (dental plaque). Although most people may suffer gum inflammation from time to time, around 10% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease. These people appear to be most at risk of losing teeth through periodontal disease.

Why do some people suffer from Periodontitis and not others?

Most individuals will develop a minor gum problem during their life, but around 1 in10 are prone to severe gum disease resulting in tooth loss. There appear to be three main factors that influence this problem: family history, stress and smoking. Severe disease often runs in families. Smokers are more susceptible and usually do not respond well to treatment. If you smoke it is important to try to stop. Stopping smoking is an important part of reducing the risk of developing the disease. Stress may also exacerbate underlying problems. Furthermore certain general diseases such as diabetes can contribute to make an individual more susceptible to periodontitis.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease vary. Most commonly the gums will bleed on brushing. The gum may appear red and swollen and can be sensitive. Often there may be bad breath (halitosis). In more advanced disease the teeth may become loose, with moving or drifting of the teeth. Usually at this stage eating becomes more difficult. Frequently there is gum recession. However, it is quite possible to have the disease and not see these signs. It is therefore essential to attend a general dentist regularly so that a routine dental examination, which involves screening for periodontal disease and may include x-rays, is carried out.

What should I do if I think I might have gum disease?

Regular dental examinations are important to ensure the mouth remains healthy. If a problem begins to develop it is important this is detected early. The dentist will be able to advise you on any necessary treatment. This will include advice in specific oral hygiene methods to help you control the bacteria that collect on your teeth. There may also be a need to carry out professional cleaning of your teeth. A dentist or hygienist using such methods can successfully treat most cases of periodontal disease. Occasionally, more complex treatments are required when your dentist will advise you accordingly.

I need to find a Specialist Periodontist - how do I do this?

A Specialist Periodontist has been specially trained to care for patients who have more complex or advanced forms of periodontal disease. Normally a general dentist refers patients to a Specialist Periodontist. At Ringley Park you can also arrange a consultation directly with Mr Paul Barnes who is a registered Specialist with the General Dental Council.

What are the benefits of treatment?

Health means happiness?

A healthy mouth plays an important role in building and maintaining self-confidence and if, for whatever reason disease disrupts this natural balance it can prove to be a distressing experience. As well as helping to solve problems associated with sore gums and loose teeth, periodontal treatment can help restore your whole mouth to full health. Perhaps this may allow you to benefit from further functional or cosmetic dental treatments, which would otherwise be impossible to perform.

Can gum disease affect your health?

Periodontal bacteria in infected pockets can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs. Whilst more research needs to be done there are associations to suggest that this may contribute to heart disease; it can enhance the risk of stroke and increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low weight baby. It may also pose an additional threat to the general health of a diabetic patient.

Regeneration

In some cases, new techniques and materials including tissue stimulation proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to promote new gum attachment and regenerate bone. This technique can be especially useful to turn around the prognosis of one or more key teeth affected with more advanced disease. In certain situations, these procedures can also be used to help correct advanced gum recession.

Extractions

The removal of one or more teeth can be an acceptable and appropriate alternative to treatment if the disease is severe. This may mean that a replacement is necessary such as a denture, bridge or implant. You should remember that most people find it easier and more enjoyable to eat with natural teeth than with a denture. An extraction can reduce the time spent treating the gums and may be the best way of relieving a painful tooth quickly. Sometimes due to the poor appearance of a tooth, a denture or bridge may provide a better-looking alternative.

What are the risks, complications and side effects of treatment?

Following treatment the gums may feel sore for a few days. This can usually be controlled with simple analgesics. As the gums heal and the swelling subsides, they may shrink or recede so that the teeth appear a little longer. In this situation spaces can also develop between the teeth. Increased sensitivity to cold, sweet or hot substances may follow therapy. While this normally disappears within a few weeks, the use of de-sensitising toothpastes together with meticulous plaque control can help. The dentist or hygienist can also apply medications to the teeth to help de-sensitise them.

What if I decide not to proceed with treatment?

The result will depend on how severe the problem is. Without treatment the gum condition is likely to deteriorate resulting in the possibility of the gums or teeth becoming painful. Without periodontal therapy tooth loss may be sooner.