Periodontics

If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, which is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

In periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” which trap plaque and become infected. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place. If not treated, the bone, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. It is rarely possible to make the bone structures grow back.

Symptoms of periodontitis:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums.
• Gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Loose teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Persistent bad breath.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Pus between the teeth and gums.

Treatment

The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt the progression of the disease. Treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

If your dentist determines that you have some bone loss or that the gums have receded from the teeth, the standard treatment is an intensive deep-cleaning, non-surgical method called scaling and root planing. It is usually done in one quadrant of the mouth at a time, and often, the administration of local anaesthetic is required for pain control at this level of care.

During the procedure, plaque, calculus, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth to prevent further deposits from building up. This smooth, clean surface helps allow the gums to reattach to the teeth and pockets to shrink. The hygienist will also demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques in order to improve your oral hygiene.

In difficult-to-treat cases, we at Amery House are one of the first dental practices in the UK to use laser-assisted periodontal therapy, which speeds up the healing and repair of the gum tissues as well as reduces any post-treatment discomfort.

Once periodontal therapy is complete, supportive perio maintenance care is implemented. This includes continuing care visits where the patient’s oral health is monitored. Excellent home oral hygiene is necessary after periodontal treatment to limit further destruction.

The Connection to Cardiovascular Health

Even with early periodontal disease, bleeding gums can create an open doorway that allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Research indicates that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries. This inflammation could lead to the build-up of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack. These deposits may also build up in the carotid arteries in your neck. In serious cases, if these fat deposits break apart and are carried away in your bloodstream, they can lodge in your brain, block a blood vessel, and cause a stroke.

Additionally, some studies have also shown that when plaque bacteria enter the bloodstream through infected gums, you may develop a heart condition called infective endocarditis. This is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that inflames the sac around the heart, the valves of the heart, and the heart muscle itself.

So, as you can see, it is vital to your overall health, as well as your oral health, to keep your gums healthy.