Periodontal Disease

Dr. Suway is a specialist trained to diagnose and treat periodontal disease.  The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth."  Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues (gum and bone) that support your teeth.  It can affect one tooth or many teeth, and it begins when the bacterial plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. 

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that usually can be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and with regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.  When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis where the pockets deepen and gum tissue and bone are destroyed.  Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.  While persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal disease, this destructive condition often has very mild symptoms and only can be diagnosed with a proper periodontal examination.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for those over 35 years of age.  An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.

Risk Factors

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Additionally, smoking can lessen the success of some treatments.   Hormonal changes in girls/women can make gums more susceptible for gingivitis to develop and for periodontitis to progress.  People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing periodontal disease.  Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infections, including periodontal disease. Drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.).  Diseases like cancer and AIDS and their treatments also can have a negative effect on periodontal health.  Some people are genetically more prone to periodontal disease than others.

Periodontal Disease and Health Risks

It was once thought that periodontal disease had no ill effects on general health, but current research indicates that there may be serious adverse effects of untreated periodontal disease leading to coronary artery disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pre term low birth weight infants.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent gum disease is with proper daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings.  However, even with the best care, periodontal disease can develop.  Once started, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress. 

Treatment usually begins in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and pockets below the gum line.  By removing plaque, calculus and bacterial toxins which cause the bone loss, early cases can be rendered healthy with non-surgical treatment. 

Periodontal surgery is necessary when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment alone.

Dr. Suway will be happy to discuss all your options to permit you to make an informed decision.

For more information on periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association are the professional organizations that maintain the most current information regarding this subject.  Dr. Suway is proud of his career-long membership in these organizations. You can obtain periodontal brochures or e-newsletters on-line.

Information Disclaimer

Dr. Suway is not providing specific medical/dental advice, but rather provides users with information to better understand their health. The information provided on this web site is intended only to be general summary information for the public. While Dr. Suway will be happy to answer general questions, no specific medical/dental advice will be provided, and he urges you to consult with a qualified periodontist for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.