What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a low-grade chronic bacterial infection that is also called periodontal disease or pyorrhea. While everyone has bacteria populating their mouths, not everyone develops gum disease. There are certain risk factors that can make it more likely for the bacteria in your mouth to result in destructive gum disease. Current research has shown us that due to these risk factors, some patients can clean their teeth and visit the dentist religiously and still have gum problems.

What are gum pockets?

Over time, food and bacteria tend to collect between the teeth and gum. If this debris is not adequately removed, the bacteria migrate deeper under the gumline. In a susceptible patient, a space or “pocket” forms between the tooth and gum. Once these pockets of bacteria form below the gumline, you cannot reach them even with good tooth brushing and flossing.

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease: smoking or chewing tobacco, bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings, some prescription medications, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, systemic diseases, such as diabetes and genetics may all play a role.

Signs of Periodontal Disease include the following: Red and puffy gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, pus around the teeth and gums, receding gums and tenderness or discomfort.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Does periodontal (gum) disease ever go away or can it be cured?

Like any chronic disease or condition of the body (like diabetes), we can arrest the disease process but it is never cured. Once a healthy state has been attained, we monitor and maintain the health of the tissues with more frequent professional maintenance appointments. There is always the potential for relapse, which is why most periodontal patients are on a three to four month recare appointment schedule. If the tissues begin to relapse (the pockets in your gums deepen) we can intervene early and retreat those pockets as needed.

How often should I have an oral cancer exam??

Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by 1.5%.

Oral cancer is far too often discovered in late stage development, the primary reason for the consistently high death rate. Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients, and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.