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About Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)



This disease is silently affecting over 50 million Americans, most of whom are not seeking treatment, possible because most of them do not even know they have the disease.

Are you one of the them?

Periodontal Disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a very serious disease that can result in tooth loss, but is generally painless, so you might not even know you have it.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, consequences of this disease include the following:

  • Permanent tooth loss

  • Higher risk of stroke and heart disease/attack


Studies have shown that the incidence of heart disease is approximately twice as high in people with periodontal disease. Studies also indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots and escaped into the bloodstream there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illnesses. The infection that causes chronic inflammation of the glooms in people with periodontal disease also represents a path for these bacteria to. In fact, the association between or disease and gum disease he is at least as strong on is the linkage between heart disease and cholesterol, body weight, or smoking. The real problem is that most diseases, give us--and we expect--early-warning signs, but gum disease often does not cause pain and, hence, progresses without being detected. To make matters worse, while periodontal disease may develop slowly, it can also progress very rapidly. More than one half of all people over the age of 18 have at least the early stages of periodontal disease. After the age of 35, 75% of all people are affected to some degree. The plaque bacteria have also been linked to:

  • An inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels known to lead to constriction of the arteries

  • Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed

  • Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases

  • A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines

  • Pregnant? Plaque has been linked to a higher risk of delivering premature, low birth-weight infants

To make matters worse, there are a number of other health concerns, some life threatening, that are being studied for their relationship to gum disease. The prevention of plaque buildup, and the corresponding prevention of gum disease are just two of the reasons why it is so important to have regular dental checkups. This simple step could prove to be one of the most important things you do to increase your chances for a along, healthy, and happy life.

What causes gum disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, the sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque causes your gums to become swollen and tender. Plaque builds up on the teeth, causing the gums to become red and sensitive.

In its early stage, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Surprisingly, gingivitis affects more than 50% of the population. Gengivitis is is a reversible condition if you follow a daily hygiene routine:

daily dental care items pic

  • Daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash

  • Proper brushing

  • Proper flossing

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, in which the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). When the bacterial plaque enters into these pockets the area becomes infected. Although there isn't much pain associated with gum disease, the consequences of this affliction can be just as discomforting, including:

  • An unhealthy smile in which the gums pull back from your teeth

  • Offensive bad breath (halitosis)

  • Gums that become infected and bleed

  • Teeth that become loose and may fall out or have to be removed

Please take a few short minutes to answer the questions in the following patient self evaluation test to find out if you might have gum disease.

Self-evaluation Test

75 percent of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. Are you one of them? Read on and find out how many of these periodontal disease indicators apply to you.

  • Do you smoke?    

  • Are you pregnant?

  • Do you have diabetes?

  • Do you grind or clinch your teeth?

  • Are you currently taking oral contraceptives?

  • Are you under a great deal of stress?

  • Do you have bad breath?

  • Are your gums red and swollen?

  • Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing?

  • Are your gums pulling away from your teeth or receding?

  • Do you have teeth that appear to be loosening?

    Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together?

  • Have you recently lost a tooth?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions you might be at risk or you may already have periodontal disease. See your dentist or hygienist for a complete periodontal check up as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

First, your dentist will want to review your complete medical and/or dental history with you. Next he or she will discuss with you any medications or existing conditions that might affect your periodontal health.

To accurately evaluate the health of your gums, your hygenist or dentist will perform a painless technique called "periodontal probing."

gum disease drawing image A periodontal probe is a small measuring instrument. It is placed between your teeth and gums to determine the depth, in millimeters, of the periodontal pocket.

  • A periodontal pocket of up to 3 mm is considered healthy

  • A periodontal pocket of more than 3 mm may be a sign of gum disease

If you think you may have gum disease, or might be at risk for getting it, you should discuss it with your dentist and your hygienist immediately. There are many new, painless ways to treat periodontal disease. Ask about the most advanced treatment options now available.
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Center Point, AL 35215
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