Periodontal Disease

The scary thing is. . . you can't see it and it doesn't hurt!

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque; a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth which consists of twelve specific bacteria. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

• Smoking/Tobacco Use: As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

• Genetics: Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic testbefore they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

• Pregnancy and Puberty: As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You know that brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver pre-term, low birth weight babies.

• Stress: As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

• Medications: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth: Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed in the presence of existing periodontal disease in some individuals.

• Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilise insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

• Poor Nutrition: As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

• Other Systemic Diseases: Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums. Periodontal disease has been linked to peripheral vascular disease, heart attacks and strokes, diabetes and preterm low birth weight babies. A percent study even demonstrated a relationship to pancreatic cancer in men.

Types of Periodontal Disease

There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common include the following:

• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at-home oral care.

• Aggressive Periodontitis: A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

• Chronic Periodontitis: A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is characterised by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognised as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

• Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases: Periodontitis, often with onset at a young age, associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

• Necrotizing Periodontial Diseases: An infection characterised by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.