Kona Periodontics and Implants Big Island Periodontics & Implants
Kailua Kona, Hawaii (808) 329-7246 Honoka'a, Hawaii : (808) 775-7294
Gum Disease
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth and maintaining a beautiful smile is directly dependent on proper oral hygiene, periodic professional dental cleanings and exams. When your gums become unhealthy, the gum tissue and bone which support the teeth slowly deteriorate. This can cause your teeth to shift position, become loose, or be lost altogether.
Periodontal diseases are progressive, continuous infections of the gums which destroy the support structures of the teeth. Dental plaque is the most common cause of periodontal disease in susceptible individuals. It is sticky and primarily composed of bacteria and food particles. Dental plaque is constantly forming, is found throughout your mouth, and progresses under the gums to occupy gum pockets and root surfaces of teeth.
The bacteria in dental plaque release toxins which irritate the gums, leading to red, puffy, shiny gum tissues which bleed when touched. If plaque is not removed, the gum tissues detach from the teeth creating deep gum pockets and gum recession. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar/calculus, this is a hard porous substance which cannot be removed with toothbrushes, floss or the like.
Periodontal disease is dangerous. It is often painless and symptom free. 80% of Americans will experience periodontal disease by age 55 and the majority of these people are unaware they have the disease. It is an inflammatory disease and has been linked to poor heart health, lung conditions, hypertension, diabetes, auto-immune conditions, osteoporosis, and obesity
To find out how systemic health problems are related to periodontal diseases, click HERE.
Preventing Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss for adults over the age of 35. The best way to prevent periodontal disease and cavities is by performing a thorough tooth brushing and flossing regimen each day, and by maintaining regular professional cleanings and examinations.
Unfortunately, even with the most diligent brushing and flossing regimen, some people can still develop periodontal disease. Once this occurs, a professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progression.
Other important factors which can negatively affect your gum health are: tobacco use, clenching and grinding teeth, genetic predisposition, stress, some medications, and poor nutrition.
You may already know the links between tobacco use and heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Academic studies have also shown a link to periodontal disease. Smokers have a 4x greater rate of periodontal destruction versus non smokers. They are more likely to lose teeth early and are at an increased risk for oral cancer. Chemicals such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and the predictability of success from periodontal therapy. Quitting tobacco can have numerous benefits on your overall and oral health.
