According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, "an estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease." (www.adha.org) This progressive disease is responsible for the majority of tooth loss in adult patients.

Periodontal Health

Your gums perform an important function in your body. They protect and support the teeth, as well as provide blood flow to the jaw bone and tooth structures.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal Disease begins when bacteria penetrate between and around the teeth and grow beneath the gums, leading to infection.

As the infection spreads, gum tissue and eventually bone are destroyed. If left untreated, periodontal disease can break down enough bone and gum tissue to cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Common signs of Periodontal Disease are bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or "loose" teeth that do not have a history of trauma.

• Stress, smoking and poor nutrition can be contributing factors to gum disease.
• Research indicates that inflammation related to periodontal disease may be associated with other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. (www.perio.org)

Treatment of Periodontal Disease
At each preventative care visit, your dentist and dental hygienist will perform a thorough gum exam and review any necessary radiographs to look for signs or periodontal disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to protecting your smile health. If detected early, periodontal disease can often be treated in our office with nonsurgical therapy supported by effective home care and medicated rinses.

In some cases, Dr. Simmons and Dr. Reynolds will coordinate treatment with a gum specialist (periodontist) to maintain an assertive approach to this detrimental disease.

Contact Us to schedule a complete dental examination and periodontal health assessment – you’ll be glad you did!

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