Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and calculus (hardened plaque) in the tiny spaces between your teeth and gums, known as the sulcus. This buildup cannot be effectively removed through regular brushing, flossing, or standard dental cleanings. As the bacteria proliferate, they cause the gums to become inflamed and the spaces (pockets) to deepen. This deeper invasion of bacteria leads to an infection known as gingivitis, which can escalate to periodontal disease if untreated.

Stages of Periodontal Disease:

1. Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
2. Early Periodontitis: The inflammation progresses, and the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets trap food particles and bacteria, leading to infection. Slight bone loss may also occur.
3. Moderate Periodontitis: In this stage, the infection spreads deeper into the supporting structures of the teeth, causing further bone loss and the formation of deeper pockets. Symptoms include increased bleeding, gum recession, and possibly some tooth mobility.
4. Advanced Periodontitis: The most severe stage, where the supporting bone is significantly damaged. Deep pockets, severe gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss can occur. At this point, more intensive treatment is required to manage the disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

If your periodontal assessment reveals multiple probing depths greater than 4mm, this indicates bone loss and the necessity for Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT). Regular cleanings or prophylaxis will not suffice for such cases.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: This involves deep cleaning procedures to remove the plaque and calculus buildup from the sulcus. The treatment aims to reduce the inflammation and halt the progression of the disease. During NSPT, dental professionals clean both above and below the gum line, targeting the bacteria that have penetrated deep into the gums.

• Scaling and Root Planing: This is the primary procedure for NSPT, where plaque and tartar are scraped away (scaling) from above and below the gum line. The roots are then smoothed (root planing) to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
• Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, antibiotics may be applied directly into the pockets or prescribed as an oral medication to help control bacterial infection.
• Laser Therapy: This is a less invasive method to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the periodontal pockets.

Periodontal Maintenance

For those diagnosed with periodontal disease resulting in bone loss, deeper pockets, bleeding gums, or exposed root surfaces, periodic periodontal maintenance is essential. This maintenance, performed 3 to 4 times a year, involves:

• Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
• Monitoring pocket depths and treating inflamed pockets with antibacterial medications if necessary.
• Ensuring overall gum and bone health to prevent further progression of the disease.

Periodontal Maintenance Procedures:

• Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning): Regular cleanings are not sufficient for managing periodontal disease but are essential for maintaining oral health once the disease is under control.
• Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: This is performed during maintenance visits to keep the disease from progressing.
• Pocket Irrigation: Antibacterial solutions are used to flush out bacteria from the pockets.

Importance of Periodontal Health

Maintaining periodontal health is crucial not only for oral hygiene but also for overall health. Chronic inflammation in the gums is associated with serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, keeping your gums and the supporting bone healthy is a vital part of your regular dental visits.

Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Health:

• Heart Disease: Inflammation caused by periodontal disease can increase the risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of arterial plaque.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including periodontal disease. Conversely, periodontal disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Prevention-Centered Treatments for Pediatric Patients

Starshine Oral Health emphasizes preventive care, especially for pediatric patients, to foster lifelong oral health habits.

Oral Health Screening: A visual and manual inspection of the mouth to identify any oral conditions that require attention. Regular screenings help in the early detection and treatment of oral health issues.

Prophylaxis: A routine cleaning procedure to prevent the onset of gum disease. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, which helps in maintaining healthy gums and preventing cavities.

Fluoride Varnish: Applied every 3 to 6 months, fluoride varnish strengthens tooth enamel, prevents cavities, and reduces tooth sensitivity. This simple and quick treatment is highly effective in protecting children’s teeth.

Sealants: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, hardened with a special light to shield teeth from decay-causing bacteria. Sealants are particularly beneficial for children as they can prevent cavities in the most vulnerable areas of their teeth.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): An affordable, quick, and painless treatment for detected tooth decay. SDF contains silver and fluoride to kill bacteria and halt further decay. This treatment is especially useful for young children and those with special needs who may have difficulty tolerating more invasive procedures.

At Starshine Oral Health, our mission is to provide preventive oral health care and education to underserved populations. With Shannon Lajoie, IDPH (ME #4328), at the helm, we ensure that Maine’s residents receive the dental hygiene services they need to improve their oral and systemic health. Whether through non-surgical periodontal therapy, regular periodontal maintenance, or prevention-centered treatments for children, our goal is to foster a healthier community, one smile at a time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at Starshineoralhealth@gmail.com.