Your teeth are intended to last a lifetime
and they can, with proper care.
   
This means thorough daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and regular professional cleanings to avoid periodontal diseases. Advanced periodontal diseases are a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, they can be prevented.
"Periodontal" comes from the two Greek words that mean "around the tooth". There are several types of periodontal diseases. All are started by a bacterial infection which attacks the gums, bone and ligaments that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw. Periodontal diseases are usually painless and may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. Unless you have regular dental checkups, you may not be aware you have a periodontal disease until your gums and bone have been so seriously damaged that tooth loss is inevitable.

More than half of all people over age 18 have at least the early stage of some type of periodontal disease. After age 35, about three out of four adults are affected by some form. However, periodontal diseases can occur at any age. Even children as young as five or six can have signs of some of these diseases.

To prevent periodontal diseases, you need to understand what causes them, practice good oral health habits and have regular professional checkups.

   
While there are many forms of gingival
and periodontal diseases, the most common types are gingivitis and adult periodontitis.

Healthy gingiva ( gum tissue) and bone anchor the teeth firmly in place.

   
Gingivitis is the earliest stage and affects only the gum tissue. At this stage, the disease is still reversible. If not treated, however, it may lead to a more severe condition. Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed.
   
Periodontitis occurs when toxins destroy the tissues that anchor the teeth in the bone. Gums become detached from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque. Tooth roots are exposed to plaque and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.
   
Advanced periodontitis is present when the teeth lose more attachment because the supporting bone is destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist.
   
Other factors that contribute to periodontal disease are:
•
 Poor Diet
•
 Smoking or chewing tobacco
•
 Poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth or defective fillings
•
 Habits which place excessive biting forces on the teeth such as clenching
•
 Pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
•
 Systemic diseases such as AIDS or diabetes
•
 Medications such as steroids, cancer drugs, calcium chanel blockers
   
While all of these factors can contribute to the risk or severity of periodontal diseases, they do not cause them. If one or more of these factors applies to you, you may still have good oral health by following the dentist's advice and practicing thorough plaque control.
   
 

Dr. Thomas H. Williams, III, DMD., P.C.
5740 Carmichael Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36117
334-277-9570 or toll free 1-866-277-9570