Gingivitis and Periodontitis (Forms of Periodontal Gum Disease)
Kansas City Dentist, John P. Goodman, DDS can diagnose and provide treatment for dental oral health problems such as: bad breath, dry mouth, gingivitis and more severe forms of periodontal gum disease. According to recent studies, on average, 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, the lifespan of one's teeth and overall health can be threatened.
Understanding Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal Gum Disease is an infection of the gums or gum-line surrounding teeth. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of bacteria and hardened plaque (tartar/calculus), is the most common form of periodontal gum disease. If not treated, Gingivitis can progress into Periodontitis, a destructive form of periodontal gum disease that leads to progressive bone loss.
Dr. Goodman has come up with a few analogies to help patients understand just how severe periodontal gum disease is. Imagine brushing hair gently (just like one brushes teeth) and your scalp starts bleeding. What if it starts bleeding every day and every time you brushed your hair. Or what if Brushing every time you washed your hands your hands or knuckles bled? If this was occurring, we would hope one would find it very urgent to have an examination. The same thing goes with the health of gums; if your gums are bleeding, there is a problem.
Symptoms and Signs of Periodontal Gum Disease
If your gums are bleeding, especially consistently, it is critically important to schedule a check-up immediately. Gum disease does not always effect the entire mouth and can be limited to the area around one or a few teeth. Other symptoms of gingivitis and periodontal gum disease are:
- Gums are puffy, inflamed or red, and sensitive
- Receding Gums
- Pus filled sac(s) forms on the gums or along the gum line
- Persistent Bad Breath or bad taste in mouth
- Dry Mouth
- Deep gum pockets
- Abnormal shifting or movement of teeth
Cause of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
To find out what treatment and preventative recommendations following are necessary to revive oral and overall health, it is important to establish the cause. Several different factors can cause any form of periodontal gum disease including:
- Lack of routine Oral Hygiene including: regular brushing, flossing, rinsing and routine exams with a dental professional.
- Medications
- Illnesses
- Consistent Stress
- Sleep Apnea Machines
- Mouth breathing
- Poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
- Family History of Dental Disease
Effects of Periodontal Gum Disease to Overall Health
When gum disease progresses to more serious forms, tooth decay and bone loss are just the beginning. From countless documented and trusted health studies, periodontal gum disease has also been linked to effecting overall health and creating a higher risk for health concerns such as:
- Heart Disease and Stroke
- Dementia
- Alzheimer's
- Respiratory Disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Pre-term low birth weight (for babies)
- Depression (low self esteem, irritability and sleep interruptions
Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment and Prevention
To prevent these oral and overall health risks from causing more trauma to one's health, treatment and a proactive oral health care approach is necessary. If you're concerned you might have Gingivitis or Periodontitis, Dr. John Goodman, DDS can provide treatment for different forms of periodontal gum disease. Our professional dental hygienists offer deep cleanings, periodontal maintenance, Scaling and Root Planing and other services to remove and treat as well keep your mouth healthy year round with routine evaluations.
The most important way to avoid periodontal gum disease is to attend routine dental check-ups every three to six months. The next step is to take an active role in at home oral hygiene care. And finally, see Dr. Goodman as soon as there is any oral health concern to avoid problems from worsening.
To schedule your appointment please call our friendly dental office staff at 816-842-8585 or fill out the form below to request an appointment. We treat all patients with the same quality care and customize every dental experience to fit the unique needs of each patient.
