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Numerous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is
about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease,
but until recently, no plausible cause had been suggested. Now
studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in
dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape
into the bloodstream, there is a relation to increased risk of
heart attack or stroke.
People with periodontal disease (over one-half the adult
population) have an infection that causes chronic inflammation
of the gums. Also, it is a path for these bacteria to enter the
bloodstream.
A
recent study describes the association between heart disease and
gum disease to be at least as strong as the linkage of heart
disease to cholesterol, body weight, or smoking.
Evidence is mounting relating gum disease to a variety of health
concerns including:
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Weakened Immune System
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Diabetes
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Stroke
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Lung Disease
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Preterm, low birth Babies
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Respiratory Disease
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Osteoporosis
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Gastric Ulcer
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Diagram of Gum
Disease
from American Academy of Periodontology. |
The ADA Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease
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Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
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Gums that are red, swollen or tender.
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Gums that are pulled away from teeth.
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Pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed.
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Permanent teeth that is loose or separating.
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Change in the way your teeth fit together when biting.
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Any changes in fit of partial dentures.
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Persistent bad breath.
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Determining Gum Disease
Our specialists will help you better understand periodontal
disease and how you can prevent it. They will quickly and
painlessly check and monitor the condition of your gums during
your hygiene appointment. Your examinations may show signs of
infection, such as bleeding or pockets that are deeper than
normal. Then they may suggest a course of treatment that will
help stop any further damage to your gums and bones.
Treatment Overview
A
simple procedure called root planing and scaling is essentially
performed to scrape plaque and other harmful deposits from your
teeth. This makes it harder for plaque to stick to the teeth. If
simple removal of all the plaque and tartar from the roots of
your teeth does not remove the cause or threat of gum disease,
there are many treatment options, including surgical and
non-surgical.
Treatment choices include:
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Root planing and scaling (deep cleaning), which is one of the
most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes
severe. You must brush and floss daily after root planing and
scaling
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Gingival curettage, which removes the inner lining of the gums
if they become damaged or infected
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Splinting, which uses wire to secure loose teeth to one
another to make them more stable
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Gingivectomy
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Pocket reduction/flap procedures
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Soft tissue grafts, including: free gingival grafts, which
move healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth to another,
and pedical grafts, which shift gums to cover areas where
healthy tissue is needed
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Guided tissue regeneration, which places a special lining
between the gums and bone. The lining helps bone grow back and
helps the gums reattach to the bone
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Crown lengthening
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Implants
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Cosmetic surgery
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