Periodontal Disease Summary

Periodontal or gum disease is the most common disease known to mankind and causes the loss of the majority of teeth. It has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, low birth weight and premativity and possibly rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. Smoking is also a risk factor.

The disease progresses as the body’s response to leaving plaque around the teeth and is associated with inadequate tooth brushing technique, bleeding gums on brushing (that is NEVER normal) bone loss around the teeth and the development of spaces between gum and teeth. Calculus or tartar forms below the gum and over time forms further down the root. There is more bone loss and pockets develop. The spaces under teeth then enlarge, it is harder to remove plaque and so the cycle continues and leads to tooth loss unless treated by the dentist.

Periodontal treatment can vary from relatively simple, such as root planing to remove calculus and plaque and oral hygiene instruction to complex surgical and bone grafting procedures.

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to loss of dental implants - peri-implantitis.

Whatever treatment is recommended the most important prognostic factor is how well patients control their plaque on a daily basis.