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The Link Between Gum Disease and Health Concerns....


The oral bacteria that is found in patient's with periodontal disease can enter into the the blood stream. From here the bacteria can travel throughout the body. Inflammation sets in, but your body's immune response sometime falls short . . . These bacterial colonies can cause serious problems such as:

Stroke - a new study of fatty deposits lodged in carotid arteries of stroke sufferers shows that 70% contain bacteria - and 40% of that bacteria comes from the mouth.

Heart Disease - Studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal disease. Bacteria get mixed up with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming a clump that travels through the blood vessels. These clumps of cells and bacteria irritate vessel walls and may promote formation of heat stopping blood clots. The inflammation also produces a protein that can irritate the interior of blood vessels, creating sites where fatty deposits can form.

Infective Endocarditis - a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.

Diabetes - Studies have shown that diabetics with gum disease were three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.

Spontaneous pre-term births - women with gum disease are 7 to 8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to low-birth-weight babies. Researchers believe that the low-grade infection causes damaged cells to release inflammation causing substances that have been linked with pre-term births.

Lung Infections - in people with chronic lung diseases.

A weakened immune system - that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.

Summary - Signs of Periodontal disease

If you notice any of the following signs, please call and make an appointment with your dentist immediately
  • Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
  • Red, swollen, puffy or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Bad breath, that just does not want to go away
  • Exudate or pus that is between your teeth
  • A loose or several loose teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth come together when you close your mouth
  • Any change in the way your partial dentures fit

What is Root Planing?

Normal tooth cleanings remove plaque and calculus deposits from above the gum line. When these deposits extend below the gum line, root planing is necessary.

Root planing is performed with the same tools as normal cleanings, but the procedure is more aggressive. Often it is necessary to numb the affected area before the procedure. Once the accumulated plaque and calculus have been removed, the gums will heal, tightening around the teeth.

Depending upon the extent of disease found in the examination, root planing may be done over several office visits. In this way, your dentist can assess the progress of treatment, and alter tactics if necessary.

Simply stated, root planing may be considered as an extension of a "routine cleaning". A "routine cleaning" is intended to clean harden deposits that form above the gums. Over time, these deposits often form below the gums, on the roots. It is at this point that we recommend a more therapeutic procedure, called root planing.

WHAT DOES IT ACCOMPLISH?

During this procedure the root surfaces are literally planed. This accomplishes several things:
  • removes hard deposits and the bacteria they harbor
  • creates a smooth root surface that is easier to keep clean
  • reduces infection because the bacteria will not re-attach to the smooth surface as readily

HOW QUICKLY WILL I HEAL?

Periodontal therapy represents a partnership between you and your periodontal team. If we each do our part, you will achieve the maximum benefit from this procedure. Your results will be affected by:
  • how effective you perform
  • your home care
  • diet
  • smoking
  • stress

It is unrealistic to consider your therapy as a quick fix. Each person will respond differently to treatment. Future treatment recommendations will be made on the basis of your healing. For healing to be maximized it is imperative that you participate in your home care everyday.