This is defined as the loss of boney support around the tooth due to the presence of harmful pathogenic bacteria. The presence of periodontal bacteria causes the body to activate its inflammatory response. As a result, the gums swell and the body starts to destroy the bone around the teeth. As the bone is destroyed, the pocket around the teeth gets deeper thus trapping more bacteria and making it hard to clean with a tooth brush. As the pockets get deeper, the bacterial species start to change and become more toxic. These bacteria don’t like oxygen and are able to escape it in the pockets deeper than 3mm. They produce sulphur by-products, which is why patients with periodontal disease may notice bad breath. Periodontal disease is a basic cause-effect relationship: if you remove the bacteria, they can't cause problems.

FACTORS THAT INCREASE RISK FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Smoking

Tobacco weakens your ability to fight off harmful periodontal bacteria. If you are going to use tobacco, you need to be fastidious about brushing and flossing, since you are more susceptible to periodontal disease. When someone stops smoking, the health of their mouth will improve.

For more information on this topic, go to:
www.nida.nih.gov
www.nci.nih.gov

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes cannot fight off infection as well as their unafflicted counterparts. Consequently, they are more susceptible to infections, particularly periodontal disease. To reduce the risk of periodontal disease, diabetics must control blood sugar levels and reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth as much as possible. This can be done by brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes, and daily flossing. By keeping a clean mouth, diabetic patients are at a lower risk of diabetic complications. (Source: American Diabetes Association; Journal of Periodontology)

PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN CAUSE SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS

Miscarriages/Premature Births

Pregnancy Women with periodontal disease have been shown to be at higher risk for having a premature, low birth weight baby (source: Journal of Periodontology, 10/96, Supplement; Journal of Periodontology, 7/98)

Cardiovascular Disease

There is mounting evidence that suggests people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of developing heart disease. They are also twice as likely to have a heart attack as someone without periodontal disease. One out of five Americans has one or more types of heart disease. (Sources: American Heart Association; Journal of Periodontology, 7/98)

If you have either periodontal or cardiovascular disease, you should have a periodontal examination as soon as possible.

Respiratory Disease

Studies have shown an increased risk for respiratory infection (cold, bronchitis, pneumonia) in individuals with periodontal disease. (Sources: American Lung Association; Journal of Periodontology, 7/98)

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