WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE? A bacterial infection of the gums which can cause  the bone around the teeth to shrink away. If not controlled, this eventually leads to tooth loss.

IS IT VERY COMMON? An estimated 75% of American adults have it. It is the # 1 cause of tooth loss in adults (decay is a distant #2). Over half of all adults over 60 have lost some or all of their teeth from this.

DOES IT HURT? Usually there is no pain.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE IT? The bone loss shows up on x-rays and we also notice it when probing with dental instruments. We tell you when we see it

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SIGNS? Not as reliable, but bleeding gums consistently bad breath and shifting teeth are often signs as well

WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL (gum) DISEASE? Bacteria in the plaque which accumulates on and around your teeth.

WHAT IS PLAQUE? Plaque is a sticky white film which forms daily on everyone’s teeth, especially around and beneath the gumline.

HOW IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONTROLLED? Daily removal of all the plaque around all your teeth is the only reliable way to control gum disease. After a dental office cleaning your teeth are smoothed (free of rough tartar and stain accumulations) so that plaque may be removed with brushing and flossing. At least twice a day is necessary for most people. Regular dental office cleanings alone or use of special rinses and toothpastes are not enough. **You must have good home care habits**

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DENTAL OFFICE CLEANINGS? They make rough teeth smooth so that you can remove the plaque. Stains and especially tartar (lime) accumulations make teeth rough so that even properly don e brushing and flossing cannot remove all the plaque.

Dental cleanings DO NOT control periodontal disease-they just make it possible for you to control it. Taking adequate time to thoroughly clean around all the teeth is critical­ don't rush!

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE GET THEIR TEETH CLEANED MORE OFTEN? People who form tartar quickly (or stain) need more frequent cleanings. The most common intervals are 3, 4, or 6 months. Insurances sometimes pay for more than 2 visits a year, but without these extra visits for those who need them tooth loss is inevitable.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NEED GUM SURGERY? People who have more advanced periodontal disease may have "pockets" (baggy areas around the gums of some teeth).

They cannot reach far enough beneath the gums in these areas to remove all the plaque by regular brushing and flossing. Gum surgery removes these pockets sot that they can remove the plaque if they are using proper brushing and flossing. (It does not tighten loose teeth and won't help much if good brushing and flossing habit aren't practiced).

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I NEEDED GUM SURGERY? We would recommend a consultation at your check-.up.

WILL MY PERIODONTAL DISEASE EVER GO AWAY? Bone loss which has already occurred is irreversible. However, further damage can usually be stopped (or at least greatly reduced) if all the plaque is removed from the teeth daily. You will always be susceptible to more bone loss-the damage will   continue any time you stop or become sloppy about removing the plaque.

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