Periodontics is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries to the gums, connective tissues, and bone surrounding the teeth. Periodontists can also place implants in areas of missing teeth. At Elite Smile, our periodontists specialize in both non-surgical and surgical treatments to save your teeth and restore gum health.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria in dental plaque. It ranges from mild gingivitis (reversible) to advanced periodontitis (irreversible bone loss).

Stages of gum disease:

Signs and symptoms:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing (not normal!)

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

• Gum recession (teeth look longer)

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Pus between teeth and gums

• Changes in bite or denture fit

What can I do at home to prevent periodontal disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to take good care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime (at least twice daily).

• Flossing at least once each day (proper technique: C-shape around each tooth).

• Using an antiseptic mouthwash if recommended.

• Seeing your dentist or periodontist for regular exams twice a year.

Spending just 3–5 minutes a day on preventative measures may save you the time, pain, and money of treating periodontal disease.

Professional treatments:

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): Removal of tartar above and below the gum line, plus smoothing of root surfaces.

• Laser therapy: Minimally invasive reduction of bacteria.

• Flap surgery: Lifting the gum to clean deep pockets.

• Bone grafting: Regenerating lost bone around teeth.

• Antibiotic therapy: Local (Arestin) or systemic.

Statistics:

• Globally, severe periodontal disease affects 10–15% of adults (The Lancet, 2019).

• In the U.S., 47.2% of adults aged 30+ have some form of periodontitis (CDC).

• Daily flossing alone reduces gum inflammation by 40% (Journal of Clinical Periodontology).

• Untreated periodontitis is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults over 40.

Systemic links:
Periodontal disease is linked to:

• Cardiovascular disease (2x increased risk)

• Diabetes (bidirectional relationship)

• Preterm low-birth-weight babies

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Alzheimer’s disease (emerging evidence)

References:

• Kinane, D.F., et al. “Periodontal diseases.” Nat Rev Dis Primers, 2017.

• Tonetti, M.S., et al. “Impact of periodontal therapy on systemic health.” J Clin Periodontol, 2019.

• Eke, P.I., et al. “Prevalence of periodontitis in adults in the United States.” J Periodontol, 2012.