PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Preventing and Diagnosis Gum Disease

Preventing Gum Disease

Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. At least three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by daily thorough tooth brushing and flossing techniques and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Other important factors that can negatively affect the health of your gums include: tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, some medications, and poor nutrition.

Initial Preparation

The first step of treatment is to eliminate all of the known causes of the periodontal disease. Mouth bacteria found in saliva forms colonies on the teeth and tissues, which is called plaque. This clear film of bacteria is the primary cause of periodontal inflammation and breakdown. Calculus, tartar, is formed when salts from the saliva precipitate in the plaque. This forms a hard substance, which adheres tightly to the tooth, similar to a barnacle on a boats hull. Both the calculus and the plaque must be removed to achieve a successful result. The patient is taught to remove the plaque, while the dental professional must remove the calculus. Initial preparation also includes creating an environment that makes plaque removal by the patient as easy as possible. The following outline lists factors that may be addresses during initial preparation.

-Demonstration of proper oral hygiene procedure to remove surface plaque

-Scaling and root planing to remove calculus and deep plaque

-Smoothing or replacement of fillings that do not fit well and this retain plaque

-Removal of hopeless teeth that may jeopardize good teeth

-Adjustment of bite (Occlusal equilibration) if needed

-Minor orthodontics to better align teeth

-Placement of night guard to prevent clenching at night

Diagnosis

Once the clinical data is gathered and correlated with the x-ray findings, your periodontists is able to organize and systematically evaluate the results to make a diagnosis. This is critical, for while there may be various approaches to treat a problem, there can be only one correct diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is determined, various treatment options can be formulated. With this information the periodontists and the patient can determine which treatment plan to follow.