Dangourous and painless--Periodontal disease
...ative anaerobic bacteria. (“Periodontal Disease” pg. 4) These harmful bacteria are the cause of the development of the first signs of the disease. These signs include: redness and bleeding of the gums, as well as inflammation. Any of these signs should warrant immediate concern of the presence of perio onset. “You should be able to brush, and floss your teeth without any amount of bleeding.” (Hacking) Gingivitis is the mildest and most easily treated form of the disease. Periodontitis is the next progression, and is characteristic of early symptoms as well as bone pockets of at least four millimeters. (See attached diagram-healthy tooth vs. periodontal disease) Researchers suggest that bacteria, which cause periodontal disease, are passed through the saliva. (Perio.org pg.1) This suggests that perio disease can easily be passed to family members. However, there is also evidence to suggest that up to thirty percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing periodontal disease. (Perio.org pg.1) These members of the population are found to produce extra amounts of an enzyme, which calcifies plaque. Diabetics are also found to be at an increased risk for developing the disease. People with diabetes have fifteen times the risk of the non-diabetic population. Diabetes causes abnormalities in blood vessels and high levels of inflammatory chemicals. High blood sugar levels have also been linked to increase in perio disease. (“Periodontal Disease” pg.7) While the effects of periodontal disease are most evident in the mouth, the bacteria associated with perio disease have been linked to heart disease and stroke. In one study, eighty-five percent of heart attack patients had periodontal disease compared to twenty-nine percent with no heart problems. (“Periodontal Disease” pg.9) Periodontal disease has also been associated with stroke, in addition, high cholesterol blood levels have been associated with both chronic periodontal disease and coronary artery disease. (“Periodontal Disease” pg. 9) How is periodontal disease treated? Treatment varies with the severaity of individual cases. The disease has many stages: gingivitis, chronic, aggressive, disease-related, and the most serve being acute necrotizing. (“Periodontal Disease pg.3-4) The early onset of perio is treated with preventive measures. This treatment includes regular dental cleanings, flossing and brushing at least twice a day. It is also proven that dry brushing before brushing with toothpaste removes sixty seven percent more plaque from teeth. (“Periodontal Disease” pg. 11) In a more advanced case treatment may include antibiotic treatment as well as prescription perio mouthwashes. Pregnancy and diabetes are factors to be considered during this level of treatment. Diabetic patients are treated more aggressively with antibiotics. “For instance, if a patients has a six millimeter pocket I would put antibiotics in. In a diabetic patient I would use antibiotics if they had a four-millimeter pocket. Diabetics have a slower healing time so you have to be more careful.” states hygienist Karridee Hacking. While antibiotics can be delivered orally or directly to the gum, the best option for pregnant patients is by direct contact at the sight needed. This method insures that the antibiotics affect no other ...