The Sneaky Disease that Can Steal Your Smile

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums, and here's something you probably don't know: about 80% of Americans have gum disease. The condition often has no side effects, but the disease can quickly spread and destroys healthy tissue. Left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, jawbone deterioration, and tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States, and research links gum disease to many systemic health problems, as well as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, low-weight births, diabetes complications, and other serious conditions.

What causes periodontal disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque emits bacteria that not only smell bad, but destroy the bond between teeth and gums. As a result, pockets form at the gumline, and in these dark, moist, warm places, bacteria breed and thrive.

Neglecting professional dental care and daily brushing and flossing can lead to the development of gum disease – but some people are more prone than others. Certain medications, as well as tobacco use and alcohol consumption, increase the risk for periodontal disease.

Do you have gum disease?

If you have periodontal disease, you may experience chronic bad breath, bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, loose teeth, tender, soft, red, or swollen gums, and pockets between the gums and teeth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are present, and the dentist is the first to notice that you have a problem.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Often, gum disease is obvious to a dental professional. To gauge the extent of the condition, we'll examine your teeth and gums, then measure and record the depth of your periodontal pockets. A probe reading of more than three millimeters indicates the presence of periodontal disease.

How is gum disease treated?

Once periodontal disease is diagnosed, Dr. Allen or our hygienist will talk with you about treatment options and proper homecare to restore healthy gums. Your hygienist will perform scaling to remove calculus below the gum line and root planning to smooth rough areas on teeth roots, places where plaque accumulates. Antibiotics may be administered to battle bacterial infection, and you'll need to attend more frequent dental cleanings, as instructed. At each visit, the hygienist will record the depth of your periodontal pockets. The goal is to reduce the depth, which indicates improved gum health. If periodontal disease has turned into periodontitis, surgery may be required. Dr. Allen refers these cases to a respected periodontist.

An Invitation for Your Family

At our dental office in Pella, Iowa, Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit.