I’ve heard about a New Screening for Gum Disease. What is
it?
Periodontal Screening or Periodontal charting is a simple new screening
that helps your dentist "keep score" of your gum health.
It is designed for early detection of gum disease. Because periodontal
disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, early detection
is important. Using a special periodontal probe screens the mouth.
The rounded tip of the probe is gently inserted between the tooth
and the gum to measure the depth of the tissue at this spot. This
measurement helps the dentist to assess the health of the gums.
A series of six codes or scores for the six sections of the upper
and lower teeth are assigned following the screening. The dentist
can then determine whether or not a more complete periodontal exam
is needed.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Almost half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease.
However the majority of these people do not even realize they have
it. Periodontal disease (also known as gum and bone disease) is
a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and periodontal ligament
(attachment fibers that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw).
Periodontal disease is usually painless and silent, until its advanced
stages. If left untreated, symptoms can include:
*Persistent bad breath
*Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
*Red, swollen and tender gums
*Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
*Loose or separating teeth
*Pus between the gum and tooth
*A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Periodontal disease can be diagnosed and treated by your dentist
and/or periodontist. A periodontist is a specialist with advanced
training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases
affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Why Should I be Aware of the Link Between Heart Disease and Periodontal
Disease?
Healthy hearts and healthy gums play vital roles in maintaining
a healthy body. Because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection,
periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major
organs and begin new infections. The heart is one of the most susceptible
organs. Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) affects more than
60 million Americans. It is the leading cause of death in the United
States. Yet many types of heart disease may be prevented. Taking
care of your periodontal health may be one important step toward
prevention, along with controlling the well-known risk factors for
heart disease.
How Does Periodontal Disease Increase My Risk For Heart Disease?
Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal
disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can
affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to
fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and
contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized
by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the
buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood
flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for
the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.
What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Dental Treatments?
Periodontal disease can effect the heart in other ways. Some existing
heart conditions can put people at risk for infective endocarditis.
Infective endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the lining
of the heart and heart valves. Those patients with a history of
rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse or heart murmur may require
antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist
will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of
antibiotics prior to dental appointments.
The American Heart Association has identified guidelines to help
protect patients most at risk for infective endocarditis. These
people may be especially prone to problems with their heart following
a dental procedure.
If you are at risk for infective endocarditis, your dentist and/or
periodontist may take steps to help limit the entry of bacteria
into the blood stream during dental procedures, including:
* Treatment of any existing periodontal infection
* Prescribing antibiotics prior to the procedure
* Asking you to make more regular maintenance visits
* Helping you to prevent periodontal disease by reviewing proper
home care for your teeth
If you know that you have heart disease or currently receive treatment
for a cardiovascular complication, it is especially important for
you to have good periodontal health. See your dentist for a periodontal
evaluation.
Periodontal disease also has been linked to other significant health
problems, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis
and premature and underweight births. It is very important that
you always provide your dentist with a comprehensive and accurate
medical history, including any problems you are aware of with your
heart. Your dentist and physician can work together to help you
protect both your gums and your overall health. As former Surgeon
General C. Everett Koop said, "A person is not healthy without
good oral health."
Risks for heart disease include smoking, being overweight
and having high cholesterol or high blood pressure levels. Now evidence
is mounting that suggests having periodontal disease may increase
your risk for heart disease. For example, recent studies suggest
that people with periodontal disease may have nearly twice the risk
of having a fatal heart attack as those without periodontal disease.
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