Preventative Dentistry

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or dental caries, occurs when there is a breakdown of the teeth from the acid within bacteria in your mouth. These cavities will show up as either yellow or black spots on the teeth that are typically accompanied by pain and difficulty eating. If not treated, complications can arise like inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, an infection, abscess formation or even the loss of the tooth.

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that most typically forms around the tooth as plaque (also called bacterial biofilms), which sticks to the surface of the tooth as plaque-induced gingivitis. In some cases, this gingivitis leads to periodontitis if not corrected through good oral hygiene.

Tooth erosion (dental erosion) is the loss of enamel as a result of chemical processes in the mouth not induced by bacteria. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body that is actually mineralized but can still be dissolved in a chemical environment. This erosion is irreversible and can occur from intrinsic acids like what is created when vomiting and also extrinsic acids like from acidic drinks or fruits.

Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis is not effectively treated through good oral hygiene which results in the inflammation of the gums, leading to tissue destruction and bone resorption. In fact, the term periodontitis means “inflammation of the gums” and it can ultimately lead to tooth loss if not treated.

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to the presence of harmful bacteria. In the more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, the gums pull away from the tooth and supporting gum tissues are destroyed. Bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or eventually fall out.

Chronic periodontitis, the most advanced form of the disease, progresses relatively slowly in most people and is typically more evident in adulthood. Although inflammation as a result of a bacterial infection is behind all forms of periodontal disease, a variety of factors can influence the severity of the disease. Important risk factors include inherited or genetic susceptibility, smoking, lack of adequate home care, age, diet, health history, and medications.

Several research studies have suggested that periodontal disease is connected to a variety of other diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists believe that inflammation may be the basis for the link between these systemic diseases. While periodontists are experts in treating oral inflammation, additional research is needed to better understand how treating periodontal disease may reduce the risk of developing other inflammatory diseases.

Periodontists typically rely on a visual assessment of the patient’s overall oral condition in addition to charting pocket depths with a periodontal probe. This visual/mechanical method of assessing periodontal disease status can only tell whether or not a disease is present. There are other tests currently available that go beyond basic and subjective visual assessment to provide dental professionals with the detailed genetic and biological information required to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for each individual patient. This information includes evaluating the inflammatory burden that is causing periodontal disease, as well as looking at the patient’s unique genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease.