If you were building a home, you wouldn’t want to make the investment only to find it was built over an old, cracked sewer. The same applies to having a periodontal exam and necessary treatment prior to restorative work (crowns, bridges, fillings, partials, etc.).

For example, say you need a new bridge. Placing it in a mouth that is compromised by gum disease is a recipe for failure. This is because the bone and tissue damage of gum disease can cause the crowned teeth supporting the bridge to fail.

Some people aren’t aware they have gum disease in its initial stages since there are no obvious symptoms. Like many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes, symptoms are not apparent in early stages and people are unaware they exist. When symptoms do emerge, however, it is because the disease is well underway and the body’s immune system can no longer combat its development.

This is also the case with periodontal disease. As the amount of oral bacteria become greater than your defenses can handle, it destroys healthy bone and tissue. You likely won’t notice there is a problem until symptoms become obvious. Early symptoms include persistent bad breath, sore gums that bleed when you brush, gums that recede and expose tender tooth roots, and gum tissue that is red in color rather than a healthy pink.

Don’t risk a lost investment when it comes to dental repairs. A healthy foundation will protect your smile’s investment for many years!

The Journal of Dental Research recently published results from a National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicating that one out of two American adults over age 30 have periodontitis. The findings highlight the extent, severity and prevalence of periodontal disease in our population.

The findings reveal that over 47% of adults have periodontal disease, which jumps to 70% in adults over age 65. Men have a higher incidence than women (56% vs. 38%), with smokers at 64%.

What makes this survey unique is that the data collected was the first to use full-mouth periodontal examinations. Since 2003, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has been working closely with Centers For Disease Control (CDC) for an accurate accounting of periodontal disease in the U.S. The NHANES study was the first to use full-mouth periodontal examinations, rather than partial mouth protocols.

Partial mouth exams involve two randomly selected sections at two sites per tooth. Because periodontal disease is not distributed evenly in the mouth, prior surveys likely underestimated its prevalence. The full-mouth periodontal exam measured six sites per tooth for all teeth.

These findings support the need for greater awareness among our nation’s adults. Because of the relationship between periodontal disease and diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, periodontal disease should be acknowledged as a major public health concern.

Like many diseases that form in our bodies, gum disease begins silently and without obvious symptoms. When symptoms do emerge, it often means that the disease is well underway. Some symptoms may not appear until at an advanced stage. However, any warning signs of gum disease should prompt you to seek immediate treatment. Gum disease will only worsen, and eventually result in tooth loss without treatment.

Signs of periodontal disease include:
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when chewing rigorously
Sores in your mouth
Persistent bad breath
Receded gums that reveal darker areas of teeth or that cause teeth to look longer
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between your gums and teeth
A change in your bite when teeth are together
A change in how partial dentures fit

The web site of the American Academy of Periodontology offers an online risk assessment test. This will help you gauge your at-risk level for having or developing gum disease. Visit: www.perio.org to take the test or call our office at (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation and exam.

Remember, periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. Act now to avoid further damage to your smile.

According to findings published in the Journal of Periodontology, many women report increased inflammation and discomfort of the gums associated with their menstrual cycle.
Symptoms include feeling a slight burning sensation in gums, gums that bleed easily with minor irritation, redness of the gums, mouth ulcers and general pain and discomfort in the gums.
In this study, researchers compared the gingival and periodontal status of premenopausal women between ages 20 – 50 at different times in their menstrual cycles. They found that gingival inflammation was lower during menstruation than during ovulation and premenstruation, which may be attributed to hormonal peaks and drops.
While it’s not known if these transitional changes could have lasting negative effects on gum health, women in this age bracket are encouraged to relay symptoms experienced on a cyclical basis, including any prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken.