In the past, the loss of teeth was dismissed as a natural part of the aging process, and dentures were considered a normal sign of old age. While this misconception is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, there is still not a general awareness of the seriousness of edentulism. Multiple tooth loss is most commonly caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has a high statistical correlation with chronic debilitating diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. So it is not very surprising that studies now show a shortened life expectancy by as much as 10 years for persons who have lost their natural teeth, when compared to those who have kept their teeth. 

 

Periodontal Disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque around the teeth that is not removed well with daily brushing. Plaque contains bacteria that eat the sugars in your diet and produce toxins.These toxins can irritate and inflame the gums. Plaque can be removed by brushing twice a day and by flossing between the teeth. When plaque isn't removed regularly, it calcifies and can only be removed when teeth are cleaned in a dental office. When you visit our office, a periodontal assessment will be done and Dr Mudd will then let you know whether you should be seen at 6 month intervals or more frequently to achieve optimal health.

 

What are common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms - particularly pain - may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, you should still be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms, which include:

Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth

Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods

Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before

Loose or separating teeth

Pus between your gums and teeth

Sores in your mouth

Persistent bad breath

A change in the fit of partial dentures

 

When deep pockets develop, it is difficult to completely remove plaque and tartar even with careful oral hygiene. If pockets do not heal after a professional cleaning is done, periodontal surgery may be needed to make the pockets shallower and easier to clean. Once the disease is brought under control, it is critical that periodontal maintenance procedures be performed on a regular basis. Performing daily brushing and flossing is a must, but not enough to keep periodontal disease in check. These patients require a "deeper" cleaning, because they have deeper pockets than patients with healthy gums. Occasionally, we may prescribe medications to help keep your mouth healthy.