Periodontal diseases, also known as gum disease or pyorrhea, are some of the most common infections in The Bahamas. In fact more than 75% of Bahamian adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease.

Despite the number infected, most tend to believe they do not have them, primarily because they do not know the symptoms or are not in pain.

Periodontal diseases are painless until their advanced stages. If left untreated, periodontal diseases can cause bad breath, bleeding gums and tooth loss. In fact periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This means, most adults lose their teeth due to gum disease rather than cavities or just aging.

Despite all of these facts, periodontal diseases are preventable. This information is your guide to the causes, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.

The word "periodontal" literally means around the tooth. It is a gum infection caused by bacterial plaque and they destroy the supporting structures that hold your teeth in your mouth. Plaque is sticky and colorless and it constantly forms on your teeth. It is your job and your dental health care provider's to remove it regularly. If the plaque is not removed, it becomes hard and is called tartar. When the tartar gets below the gum line, you are at risk for periodontal disease. The germs or poisons that make up the plaque destroy the gums and bone and the teeth eventually weaken.

There are several forms of periodontal disease. They include: Gingivitis, Mild, Moderate, or Severe Periodontal disease.

Only your dentist or hygienist can diagnose your disease by measuring to see if you have any bone loss or gum infection.

Diabetes and other medical conditions can contribute to your periodontal disease. Research shows that a person with uncontrolled diabetes is likely to have periodontal disease and it helps the disease to become more aggressive. Other conditions include: pregnancy, high blood pressure, stress, poor nutrition, smoking, and some medications.

Signs of the disease include: red, swollen, or bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. As mentioned before, most of these signs have no pain associated with them.

Your dentist and hygienist should measure the health of your gums with a probe (small ruler) and x-rays to determine the health of your mouth.

Treating this disease can be as simple as a cleaning (prophylaxis) or as complex as surgery to return your gums to a state of health.

The benefits of treatment include: fresh breath, more youthful appearance, and greater efficiency with chewing and digesting your food. Most importantly, your gateway to your oral and physical health is secured.

You can help to prevent periodontal disease by brushing, flossing, and regular attendance to your dental professional. A cleaning by your professional, at least twice (2) per year is recommended. This is called supportive care and it is necessary to maintain your health.

Remember, good hygiene practices and regular professional care, are the keys to preventing periodontal disease. Teeth were meant to last a lifetime and with a little tender loving care and your dental professional, they can.

Patient showing gross Calculus Deposits.

Food that is allowed to build up around teeth due to patient failure to brush and floss regularly results in the formation of dental plaque. Over time the plaque become calcified by the calcium in the saliva. The calcification of the plaque produces dental calculus. Dental plaque and calculus cause periodontal disease.

Back to Articles