“Periodontitis” is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. There is a hereditary component to periodontitis, however in my practice I find that the major etiologies is that of inadequate oral hygiene measures resulting in the gross accumulation of calculus, infrequent dental check-ups which results in the condition progressing unhindered and primarily a lack of knowledge regarding periodontitis and periodontal infections.
Patients often do not present with pain or excessive gingival bleeding. As a result they do not seek treatment, resulting in the condition progressing without any clinical intervention. And why would you visit the dentist if you are not in pain? There in lies the root of the problem.
Periodontal infections range from simple gingivitis to severe periapical lesions. These are to two extremes with regards to pain presentation. The onset of bleeding on gentle probing of the gums may lead to a dentist appointment, but the acute onset of pain will most certainly cement a dental appointment the very same day. Periodontitis falls somewhere in the middle of this scale, there is an awareness that “something is not right”, however “the pain does not warrant an appointment, just yet”. This is the feedback I constantly receive and unfortunately if you wait for the onset of pain before seeking a dental consult you are asking for trouble.
I refer to Periodontitis as the “silent killer of teeth”, because far too often the condition goes undiagnosed without the patient even being aware of its presence and for those that seek help based on the clinical appearance of the teeth and gums, it is already to late for preventative measures, as the condition has already progressed to the moderate to advanced stages and requires periodontal therapies, which range in complexity base on clinical and radiographic findings or worst yet, extractions and in very severe cases full clearance ( extraction of all of the teeth).
The moral of the story is simple, Periodontitis ( barring Hereditary Periodontitis) is a totally preventable disease and if diagnosed in the early stages it can be treated and controlled, thereby preventing progression to the moderate and advanced stages. Resulting in minimal clinical presentation of the disease. This however requires both patient education and compliance. As dentists we any not miracle works, we cannot turn back time. We can however safe you time, money and most importantly your smile, only if we are afforded to opportunity to diagnose and treat the conditions in a timely manner.
Preventative measures are always better that curative measures, they are less traumatic and far cheaper in the long term. You only have a single set of permanent teeth, and everyone deserves a lasting smile.
My next topic will explore the various treatment options. My advise for now, ” Routine dental check ups, both clinical and radiographic, should be performed every 6 months”.
