Gum Disease
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth". Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. The main cause of this disease is a bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Daily home oral care, including proper brushing and flossing, is a must to prevent plaque build-up.
Toxins or poisons produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing infection, and destroy the supporting tissues around the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more infection. As the disease progresses, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth eventually become loose. If periodontal disease is not treated, the teeth may be lost. |
Treatment of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. For example, your front teeth may not show signs of periodontal
disease, while a tooth in the back of your mouth may become loose due to severe disease progression.
Heart Health and Periodontal Disease:
Recent studies have found that older adults who have higher proportions of four periodontal-disease-causing bacteria
inhabiting their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, a strong predictor of stroke and heart attack.
Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease:
During pregnancy, woman are much more susceptible to periodontal disease, and permanent damage to the teeth
and tooth loss can occur.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease:
Diabetics are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Periodontal disease makes it more
difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar level, putting them at risk for diabetic complications.
What is the treatment for Periodontal Disease?
Once your periodontal health has been evaluated, Doctor Krueger will work with you to determine the treatment options
that are best suited to arrest your disease and bring you back to health. Whatever the treatment may be, our goal is
to establish good oral health and help you and your restorative dentist maintain it.
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