About this topic
Swelling and infection of the tissues around your teeth is called periodontal disease. Some people have problems with their gums. Others have problems with the bones that support their teeth. You may also have trouble with both the gums and the bones. This is a common issue. Not caring for your teeth properly is the main cause of periodontal disease. Good teeth and mouth care may help prevent this problem. ‚
Plaque is a sticky material made of germs and tiny bits of food. It is all throughout your mouth. You brush and floss to get rid of plaque. If you dont get rid of it, plaque can become a hard deposit called tartar. You may need a professional dental cleaning to remove the tartar. ‚
Both plaque and tartar can irritate your gums. Irritation and swelling of the gums is called gingivitis. This problem can go below the gum line into deeper tissues and bones. Then, the gums may pull away from the teeth. This is called periodontitis. As the germs go deeper, they can start to destroy tissue and bone. You can lose your teeth due to periodontitis. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Follow your dentists instructions for taking your drugs.
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times each day to get rid of plaque. Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss each day. Use regular floss or dental picks. Ask your dentist which tools will work best for you.
- Do not smoke. If you do smoke, talk with your dentist about trying to quit.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Sometimes your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist. This is a gum tissue specialist who treats these types of conditions.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Ask your dentist if you should limit your activities after your procedure. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid sugary foods, drinks, and sodas.
- Limit snacking. If you do snack, make healthy choices such as low-fat dairy products or vegetables.
- Drink lots of water. Tap water has fluoride, which can help protect your teeth.
- Avoid any food with a sharp edge that could traumatize the tissues. Examples include tortilla chips and potato chips.
What problems could happen?
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Ongoing bad breath
- Abscess ¢ ˆ ’ pocket of pus
- Open sores in mouth
- More risk of
- Heart problems
- Blood sugar problems
- Preterm, low birth weight babies (women)
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- See your dentist 1 to 2 times each year for a professional cleaning and check-up. You may need to go more often if you are having problems. People with periodontal disease may also need to go more often.
- Take extra care of your teeth and gums when pregnant. Studies have shown that pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have preterm, low birth weight babies.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my mouth.
- I can tell you how often I need to see my dentist.
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Periodoncia ‚
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ‚
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7B7D24C2-02E5-47C8-B076-27CB580FAF82/0/PeriodontalGum_Eng.pdf ‚
National Institutes of Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/periodontaldisease/whatisgumperiodontaldisease/01.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚