Prior to the 1960’s it was common in rural
America to have all of your teeth pulled and
a complete set of dentures for your high
school graduation present. It was thought
that since complete tooth loss was
inevitable why not avoid the pain, suffering
and expense along the way. The major cause
for this tooth loss was periodontal disease
(gum disease). Today, we know that gum
disease is a bacterial infection, which is
preventable and treatable in most cases.
Keeping your own teeth for life is our
primary goal.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is caused
by a group of bacteria that stick to the
tooth under the gum line between the teeth.
This is because they do not like oxygen
(anaerobes). This film (plaque) is a biofilm
with many layers containing different
species of bacteria and their by-products.
The bacteria live in an ecosystem supporting
each other, actually communicating, and
utilizing one another’s by-products. If the
biofilm (plaque) is not disrupted regularly
it becomes more organized and the body
begins to make chemicals in response to it.
These chemicals break down gum tissue and
bone.
Preventing gum disease involves disrupting
the biofilm’s (plaque) organization on all
surfaces of the teeth at the gum line. This
is primarily done once a day with tooth
brushing and flossing. There also are other
available to help. In addition, regular tooth
cleanings (prophylaxis) by a dental
hygienist are necessary.
Once periodontal disease (gum disease)
develops, treatment is more complicated. In
early gum disease, treatment involves a
procedure called scaling and root planning.
In more severe gum disease
scaling and root
planning is necessary as well as
gum surgery.
Home care is more complicated since getting
to the biofilm is harder due to defects
caused by the gum and bone destruction.
HEALTHY GUMS
GINGIVITIS
PERIO
ADVANCED PERIO
In some cases the teeth have to be
extracted
because there is not enough bone to support
them.
