| Periodontal diseases (diseases of the gum, | | | | another, they now believe that inflammatory |
| including gingivitis and periodontitis) are | | | | gum disease releases pro-inflammatory |
| serious infections of one or many teeth that | | | | chemicals into the bloodstream, triggering a |
| can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease | | | | systemic inflammatory response. In other |
| is a chronic bacterial infection affecting | | | | words, inflammation in one area of the body |
| the gums and the bones supporting the teeth. | | | | can cause inflammation in another. |
| The word periodontal means "around the | | | | Additionally, people with poor oral health |
| tooth." | | | | that includes missing and decayed teeth tend |
| | | | to suffer from poor nutrition, because eating |
| In the early stages of periodontal disease, | | | | a nutritious diet high in fiber, fruits and |
| your gums may be red and bleed easily. This | | | | vegetables is more difficult. This too can |
| is the stage called gingivitis, and is | | | | affect heart health. |
| usually due to inadequate oral hygiene. | | | | |
| Paying more attention to brushing and | | | | How will Dr. Iott treat your gum disease? His |
| flossing your teeth, and regular visits to | | | | goal is to remove plaque and make it |
| your dentist, can reverse this condition. Dr. | | | | difficult for plaque to reform. If your gum |
| Michael Iott's staff is thoroughly trained | | | | disease is mild, Dr. Iott may able to begin |
| and knowledgeable in the diagnosis and | | | | the healing of your gums with a good cleaning |
| treatment of gingivitis. Click here to | | | | and instructions for more careful brushing |
| schedule an evaluation and discuss steps you | | | | and flossing at home. |
| can take to reverse the symptoms of this | | | | |
| insidious disease. | | | | However, once hard layers of tartar have |
| | | | formed, you'll need Dr. Iott's assistance to |
| Left untreated, gingivitis advances to | | | | remove it with a special implement called a |
| periodontitis. As plaque spreads and grows | | | | 'scaling tool'. Once all the tartar has been |
| below your gum line, the bacteria in plaque | | | | removed, the hygienist will polish your |
| irritate the gums, breaking down and | | | | teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria |
| destroying tissue and bone. As a result, your | | | | to attach. An antiseptic mouthwash may be |
| gums separate from your teeth, forming | | | | recommended by Dr. Iott to control plaque |
| infected spaces between the teeth and gums. | | | | temporarily, but these should not be used for |
| As the infection progresses, these spaces | | | | more than one month. |
| destroy more gum and bone. Although you may | | | | |
| have very mild symptoms, the sad truth is | | | | If you have developed the deep pockets |
| that your teeth will eventually become loose | | | | typical of periodontitis, Dr. Iott will clean |
| and require removal. | | | | these as often as every two months until the |
| | | | infection can be brought under control. |
| Unfortunately, losing your teeth is not the | | | | Additionally, root planning may be needed, |
| only eventuality with periodontitis. Studies | | | | where the infected base around the root of |
| show a clear correlation between gum disease | | | | your tooth is removed. |
| and heart disease, highlighting the fact that | | | | |
| people with gum disease have a 25 percent | | | | Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and |
| greater risk of heart disease than those with | | | | seeing Dr. Iott twice a year for cleanings |
| healthy gums. Although scientists have just | | | | will help you to avoid many of these |
| begun to understand how one disease affects | | | | unpleasant oral conditions. |