Since gum disease is a bacterial infection of the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth, leaving the disease untreated can lead to:

• Bone loss around the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Eventual loss of teeth

Here are some other reasons to treat your gum condition.  Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to the following:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• COPD
• Preterm, low birth weight babies in mothers with gum disease

All these health problems are linked to periodontal disease.  By treating gum disease, you may see an improvement in your overall health as well, especially if you have a history of diabetes or heart disease.

I completely understand why many people misunderstand the concept of periodontal maintenance vs. a “cleaning.”  I know I have accidentally called the periodontal maintenance appointment a “cleaning” when talking to patients.

FYI:  While many of the components are the same, a periodontal maintenance appointment has specific guidelines set by the ADA and is performed on patients who have at some point undergone periodontal therapy and thus have a history of periodontal disease. The ADA further mandates that this be performed for the lifetime of your teeth.

Keep in mind, the ADA has set these standards based on the value to your total health not just your dental health.

FYI:  Gum disease can effect anyone at any time.

Bacterial plaque is the main cause of gum disease.    There are many other contributing factors that can affect even those with immaculate home care.

1. Stress
2. Smoking/tobacco use
3. Genetics
4. Diabetes
5. Clenching or grinding your teeth
6. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women
7. Medications

Take the Gum Disease Risk Assessment Quiz from the American Academy of Periodontology and find out quickly what your risk level is for gum disease. Keep in mind though even if you rate at low risk, only a licensed dentist can tell you for sure if you have gum disease.

A common question that I get is, “My insurance doesn’t pay well for periodontal maintenance can’t you just send it in as a routine cleaning?”  The answer to that is a big NO! Stating that a routine cleaning is being performed when it’s not is actually insurance fraud.

Another question then may be, “Since I only get two cleanings a year can’t you just do that.” The answer is, a good dental office will provide you with the services you need and will not allow an insurance company to determine what’s best.  After all, insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind!  They pay the best for individuals who have a healthy mouth.  And let’s face it, that’s not most of us!