Steps to Recognizing and Preventing/Treating Periodontal (Gum) Disease

1) The beginnings of periodontal disease. Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky film that remains on teeth after eating, sleeping, or just going about your daily routine, is not properly and effectively removed. The plaque will eventually turn to tartar, which is the hardened form of plaque. This tartar will cause inflammation, and pockets, or areas around the tooth where the gums have been pulled away by the tartar. Bacteria get into the pockets and cause pain, inflammation and bleeding, which are all signs of gum disease. 2) Risk factors of gum disease. Diabetes, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in females, medications (those that cause “dry mouth” and limit saliva output, which helps keep the mouth healthy), and smoking are the most common risk factors for periodontal disease. 3) Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease can best be recognized by visiting the dentist regularly. Bleeding gums, bad breath that does not go away, pain while chewing, sensitivity to heat and cold, sweet or sour, loose teeth and receding gums are the main signs and symptoms of gum disease. 4) Prevention. The best way to tackle periodontal disease is to prevent it in the first place. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride paste, flossing every day, seeing the dentist regularly (at least twice a year, more often if periodontal disease has been diagnosed), eating a well-balanced diet and if you smoke, STOP; these are the most important and most effective ways to prevent gum disease from starting. Gum disease starts at inflammation and, if left untreated, leads to bone loss, tooth loss and dentures. 5) Treatment. Once periodontal disease has been diagnosed, there are treatment options available to prevent the advancement of the disease. The periodontist may do a deep cleaning, called Scaling/Root Planing, surgery where flaps are made in your gums and gums are then reattached to your teeth, or even bone and tissue grafts can be accomplished. The degree of success of these treatments depends on how quickly the dentist is consulted and how diligent the patient is at the daily cleaning regimens set forth by the dentist. In summary, eat well, brush twice daily, visit the dentist on a regular basis, follow his advice, protect your teeth from periodontal disease and if you smoke, stop today. Think you may have periodontal disease? Many Americans have some degree of the disease. You are not alone. Seek out a periodontist in your area, such as Dr. Golub-Evans, a prominent New York city periodontist, who can get you on the road to periodontal health. For more information on gum disease in New York city, please visit Dr. Golub-Evans’ site at http://www.nyccd.com.