PERIODONTITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation and infection of the gums, causing loss of supporting bone. Periodontitis is responsible for more tooth loss than tooth decay. It is not contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gums; jaw bones.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults over age 20.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Bad breath.
• Loosening of teeth in the sockets.
• Aching teeth and gums when eating hot, cold or sweet food.
• If an abscess develops, tenderness, swelling, pain and fever will also occur.

CAUSES--Plaque (a sticky deposit of food, bacteria and mucus) destroys bone that surrounds and supports teeth. Poor dental hygiene causes the accumulation of plaque.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Illness that has lowered resistance.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Practice good oral hygiene (see General Measures).
• Avoid sweet snacks, which contribute to plaque formation.
• Visit your dentist regularly to have teeth cleaned. Ask your dentist about the level of fluoride in local drinking water. Fluoride supplements may provide added protection.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a dentist.
• X-rays of the mouth.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Dentist's care.
• Surgery to remove unhealthy gum tissue and reshape underlying bone to eliminate pockets.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Without treatment, teeth loosen so much in their bony sockets that they must be extracted.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with a combination of dental treatment and strict adherence to a good oral-hygiene program (see General Measures).

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• To brush teeth: Scrub the clear, sticky plaque off teeth daily with a soft toothbrush. A soft brush is less likely to damage teeth and gums than a hard brush. Place the brush at the gum line and gently rotate it, pointing the bristles toward the gum. Brush one section of teeth at a time.
• To floss teeth: Wind waxed or unwaxed dental floss around one finger on each hand. Force the dental floss between teeth. Gently clean the tooth surfaces with a back-and-forth, sawing motion at the gum line. Floss between all lower teeth, using your fingers as guides. Next, loosen the floss and place it on the tops of your thumbs. Floss between all upper teeth, using your thumbs as guides.

MEDICATION--For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet, except to avoid sweets.

Call Your Dentist If

You have symptoms of periodontitis.