PERIODONTAL DISEASE(ALSO KNOWN AS GUM DISEASE)

Resources

Research shows that there is a link between periodontaldisease and other health concerns such as cardio-vascular disease, diabetes and stroke.

Patients with healthy gumslive longer and have decreasedheart disease and better overall health.

For dental services, you may contact:• New York University

College of Dentistrywww.nyu.edu/dental (click on“patients,” or you may email dentalcare@nyu.edu)

Or, for a dental provider near you, call or go on the web:• In Manhattan

New York County Dental Society212.573.8500http://www.nycdentalsociety.org/consumer/index.html

• In Brooklyn or Staten IslandSecond District Dental Society718.522.3939 http://www.sddsny.org/referrals

• In Queens, the Bronx, or outside NYCFind a dentist ADA service:http://www.ada.org/ada/findadentist/advancedsearch.aspx

345 EAST 24TH STREETNEW YORK, NY 10010

212.998.9800

www.nyu.edu/dental

This brochure was made possible by a grant from the United Hospital Fund

• Periodontal disease is a bacterialinfection of the gums.

• It begins with plaque, an invisiblesticky layer that forms on teeth.

• Plaque contains bacteria.• If the plaque and bacteria are not

removed, the bacteria continue togrow and can damage the gumsand the bone beneath the gumsthat support your teeth.

What is periodontal (gum)disease?

PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Most people donot even knowwhen they havegum disease. Inmost cases, theearly stages ofthe disease arepainless. It isimportant tolook for signs ofthe disease, andsee your dentistor dental hygienest if you notice anyof the following symptoms:

• Red or swollen gums• Bleeding or tender gums • Pain while chewing• Loose teeth/new spaces between

teeth• Gums pulling away from teeth• Persistent bad breath or taste• Change in fit of removable dentures

Periodontal disease can be preventedby maintaining good oral hygiene.Here are some tips for good oralhygiene:

• Brush at least 2 times daily with fluoride toothpaste—an electrictoothbrush is very helpful for hardto reach areas.

• Floss or use another between-the–teeth cleaner every day.

• Visit a dentist regularly.• Quit smoking.• If you have dentures, clean them

daily.• Use an antibacterial mouth

rinse.

What can I do to preventgum disease?

• Poor oral hygiene, which leads toplaque build up

• Tobacco use• Diabetes • Medications such as steroids, blood

pressure drugs, certain heart medicine, and cancer therapy drugs

• Improper fitting or unclean mouthappliances, such as dentures,bridges, or crowns

• Family history of gum disease

What causes gum disease?How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Remember, healthy gums DO NOT bleed!!!

What is the treatment forperiodontal (gum) disease?

• Your dentist may recommend deepcleaning methods called scaling androot planing.

• Scaling means scraping off theplaque from above and below thegumline.

• Root planing gets rid of rough spotson the tooth root where the germsgather and helps remove bacteriathat cause gum disease.

• Gingivitis is less serious and seldompainful but can cause redness,swelling and bleeding gums.

• Periodontitis is a progressive disease in which inflammationaround the tooth destroys the supporting bone, eventually leadingto loosening and loss of teeth.

• Periodontitis can make it more difficult to control diabetes andmay increase the risk of heartattack and stroke.

What are the different typesof gum disease?