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Periodontal disease - Highlights

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease.

Alternative Names

Gingivitis

Highlights:

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red and swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession and loose teeth. Smoking, certain types of illnesses (diabetes), older age, and other factors increase the risk for periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating this condition.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Consistent good dental hygiene can help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone:

  • Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste (be sure to replace toothbrushes every 3 - 4 months).
  • Clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and limit between meal snacks.
  • Have regular visits with a dentist for teeth cleaning and oral examinations.

Mouthwashes

According to the American Dental Association, antimicrobial mouthwashes may provide additional oral health benefits for preventing and reducing gingivitis and plaque. However, they are not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.

Complications

Uncontrolled periodontal disease is associated with:

  • Tooth loss
  • Bad breath
  • Heart problems such as heart disease and stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Premature delivery and low birth weight

Resources

References

Amaliya , Timmerman MF, Abbas F, Loos BG, Van der Weijden GA, Van Winkelhoff AJ, et al. Java project on periodontal diseases: the relationship between vitamin C and the severity of periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol. 2007 Apr;34(4):299-304.

Boggess KA; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Publications Committee. Maternal oral health in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Apr;111(4):976-86.

de Oliveira RR, Schwartz-Filho HO, Novaes AB Jr, Taba M Jr. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the non-surgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis: a preliminary randomized controlled clinical study. J Periodontol. 2007 Jun;78(6):965-73.

Eberhard J, Jepsen S, Jervøe-Storm PM, Needleman I, Worthington HV. Full-mouth disinfection for the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23;(1):CD004622.

Eberhard J, Jervøe-Storm PM, Needleman I, Worthington H, Jepsen S. Full-mouth treatment concepts for chronic periodontitis: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2008 Jul;35(7):591-604. Epub 2008 May 21.

Kolahi J, Soolari A. Rinsing with chlorhexidine gluconate solution after brushing and flossing teeth: a systematic review of effectiveness. Quintessence Int. 2006 Sep;37(8):605-12.

Lamster IB, DePaola DP, Oppermann RV, Papapanou PN, Wilder RS. The relationship of periodontal disease to diseases and disorders at distant sites: communication to health care professionals and patients. J Am Dent Assoc. 2008 Oct;139(10):1389-97.

Lamster IB, Lalla E, Borgnakke WS, Taylor GW. The relationship between oral health and diabetes mellitus. J Am Dent Assoc. 2008 Oct;139 Suppl:19S-24S.

Nguyen DH, Martin JT. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Mar 15;77(6):797-802.

Paraskevas S, Huizinga JD, Loos BG. A systematic review and meta-analyses on C-reactive protein in relation to periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol. 2008 Apr;35(4):277-90. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Persson GR, Yeates J, Persson RE, Hirschi-Imfeld R, Weibel M, Kiyak HA. The impact of a low-frequency chlorhexidine rinsing schedule on the subgingival microbiota (the TEETH clinical trial). J Periodontol. 2007 Sep;78(9):1751-8.

Staudte H, Sigusch BW, Glockmann E. Grapefruit consumption improves vitamin C status in periodontitis patients. Br Dent J. 2005 Aug 27;199(4):213-7, discussion 210.

Taylor GW, Borgnakke WS. Periodontal disease: associations with diabetes, glycemic control and complications. Oral Dis. 2008 Apr;14(3):191-203.

Thomson WM, Poulton R, Broadbent JM, Moffitt TE, Caspi A, Beck JD, et al. Cannabis smoking and periodontal disease among young adults. JAMA. 2008 Feb 6;299(5):525-31.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/22/2009
  • Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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