Research shows that Periodontal Disease, also known as gum disease affects 80% of the U.S. population at various times in their lifetime.

What are periodontal diseases?

Periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy the gums and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Periodontal diseases can affect one tooth or all your teeth. The main cause of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus or tartar in less than two days. Tartar is so hard it can only be removed by an oral health professional, such as a dentist or dental hygienist. The bacteria in plaque infect the gums, and release poisons (toxins) that cause redness and inflammation (irritation). The inflammation and the poisons themselves cause destruction of the tissues that support the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, the gums separate microscopically from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque causing even more infection.

There is not just one cause of periodontal diseases but rather multiple factors that can affect the health of your gums. Causes may include TOBACCO use, HORMONAL CHANGES such as pregnancy, puberty and menopause, GENETICS , STRESS , MEDICATIONS , DESTRUCTIVE HABITS such as improper oral hygiene technique, oral piercing, drug or alcohol abuse can affect periodontal health, POOR NUTRITION , CLENCHING/GRINDING TEETH, FAILURE TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH, LOW QUALITY and POOR FIT of DENTAL FILLINGS/ CROWNS,SYSTEMIC DISEASES.

Gingivitis

As the mildest form of the periodontal diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.There is usually no discomfort at this stage.

What are the signs of periodontal diseases?

Periodontal diseases are often silent, meaning that symptoms may not materialize until significant bone loss has occurred.

Some people may have periodontitis and not experience any symptoms and be unaware that they have disease. Common symptoms and signs of periodontal diseases include:

• RED, SWOLLEN OR TENDER GUMS
• BLEEDING WHILE BRUSHING OR FLOSSING
• GUMS PULLING AWAY FROM THE TEETH MAKING TEETH APPEAR LONGER
• LOOSE OR SEPARATING TEETH
• PUS BETWEEN THE GUM AND TOOTH
• PERSISTENT BAD BREATH
• A CHANGE IN THE WAY YOUR TEETH FIT TOGETHER WHEN YOU BITE
• A CHANGE IN THE FIT OF PARTIAL DENTURES

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call Dr. Kleins office at 770-579-6400 to schedule a complete periodontal examination.

During a periodontal examination, Dr. Klein will gently place a small measuring instrument called a periodontal probe in the pocket between the teeth and gums to measure pocket depths and help make a diagnosis. Probing depths measuring 1-3mm are usually considered healthy. Four to 5mm may indicate mild periodontitis, 5-6mm suggest moderate periodontitis, and 7mm or greater may indicate severe periodontitis. In addition to probing depth measurements, X-rays may be taken to evaluate the health of the bone supporting the teeth.

How are periodontal diseases treated?

Once your periodontal health has been evaluated, Dr. Klein will work with you to determine the best treatment options to control your disease and bring you back to health. Treatment can vary depending on how far the disease has progressed. If diagnosed and treated in the early stages, simple non-surgical periodontal therapy may be sufficient. If periodontitis has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and significant amounts of bone are lost, surgical therapy may be necessary.

Once periodontitis has been controlled, patients will require ongoing periodontal maintenance procedures to sustain health. This ongoing phase of treatment will allow Dr. Klein to assess your periodontal health and make sure that your infection stays under control or remains eliminated. During these re-evaluation appointments, your mouth will be examined, new calculus and plaque will be removed and, if necessary, your teeth will be polished and your bite will be checked. Periodontal diseases are chronic diseases, just like diabetes. Without careful, ongoing treatment, periodontal diseases can and often do recur.