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Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Gum Disease / Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is the swelling or soreness of the gums (soft tissue) around your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth.
The plaque bacteria produce toxins that can lead to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. This initial stage of gum disease is reversible. However, if you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth and the bone that supports them, leading to a more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis.
If left untreated, periodontitis can result in the loss of bone and teeth. The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That's why it's important to see regularly.
Gum disease / Periodontal disease is usually painless and silent, until its advanced stages. If left untreated, symptoms can include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Red, swollen and tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- When you bite
Why should I be aware of periodontal disease?
Gum disease is the swelling or soreness of the gums (soft tissue) around your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth.
The plaque bacteria produce toxins that can lead to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. This initial stage of gum disease is reversible. However, if you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth and the bone that supports them, leading to a more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis.
If left untreated, periodontitis can result in the loss of bone and teeth. The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That's why it's important to see regularly.
How does periodontal disease increase my risk for heart disease?
Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the build-up of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
What precautions should be taken before dental treatment?
Periodontal disease can affect the heart in other ways. Some existing heart conditions can put people at risk for infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves. Those patients with a history of rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse or heart murmur may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires the use of antibiotics prior to dental appointments.
The American Heart Association has identified guidelines to help protect patients most at risk for infective endocarditis. These people may be especially prone to problems with their heart following a dental procedure.
If you are at risk for infective endocarditis, your dentist and / or periodontist may take steps to help limit the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream during dental procedures, including:
• treatment of any existing periodontal infection
• prescribing antibiotics prior to the procedure
• asking you to make more regular maintenance visits
• helping you to prevent periodontal disease by reviewing proper home care for your teeth
If you know that you have heart disease or currently receive treatment for a cardiovascular complication, it is especially important for you to have good periodontal health. See a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.
Periodontal disease also has been linked to other significant health problems, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and premature and underweight births. It is very important that you always provide your periodontist with a comprehensive and accurate medical history, including any problems you are aware of with your heart. Your periodontist and physician can work together to help you protect both your gums and your overall health. As former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop said, "A person is not healthy without good oral health."
Oral Cancer
When oral cancer is found early, treatment can be successful 82% of the time. Unfortunately, when compared to the survival rate of other cancers, the survival rate of oral cancer has not improved greatly over the last 30 years.
Because early detection is a key to survival, it is important to see your dentist regularly. An annual screening exam, used in conjunction with a routine head and neck examination performed by your dentist, can help to find abnormalities that could lead to cancer. That's the kind of screening that could help save lives.
Are you at risk?
Increased risk
- Patients age 40 and older (95% of all cases)
- Tobacco use
- Chronic alcohol consumption
- Oral HPV infection
Highest risk
- Patients age 65 and older with lifestyle risk factors
- Patients with history of oral cancer
25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke and have no other risk factors.
What will my dentist see?
Most of the time your dental professional will conduct a thorough oral cancer screening and will see that everything looks completely normal. That is good news!
However, there may be times when your dental professional identifies something that looks abnormal. At that point, your dental professional will use their expertise and may ask you come back in a few weeks to follow up, or may refer you an oral surgeon for a biopsy.
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