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What
is Gum Disease?
Gum
disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and the bone that
surrounds the teeth. Most often Gum Disease starts when plaque
and tarter not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.
The bacteria in the plaque leads to an infection in the gums
(gingiva) called Gingivitis. Left untreated, the infection
spreads to the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place,
a condition called Periodontitis.
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This
patient has Periodontitis. Notice the bone deterioration
and uneven level of bone.
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Healthy
gums and bone.
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Most
patients diagnosed with Periodontal disease (gum and jaw bone
disease) are adults. However, children and adolescents can
also develop periodontitis. If gum disease is recognized in
a young patient who is otherwise healthy, the condition is
called Early Onset Periodontitis or (E.O.P.).
2 forms
of Early Onset Periodontitis seen in children are Pre-pubertal
and Juvenile:
Pre-pubertal
periodontitis
Pre-pubertal
periodontitis typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 10
years old. Signs of this disease include
- swollen
and puffy gums
- rapid
bone loss
- loose
teeth
- early
tooth loss.
Symptoms
may be generalized or localized to one specific area.
The generalized
form of this disease is commonly associated with other systemic
diseases, ear infections and upper respiratory infections.
A defect in the immune system plays a major role in the destruction
of the tissue. Several types of bacteria have been isolated
in patients with this disease. This form does not typically
respond to antibiotic therapy and will continue to progress
quickly. This leads to early loss of the primary and permanent
teeth. Early extractions of
the primary teeth may be recommended to prevent infections
of the permanent teeth.
The localized
form of this disease may be responsive to thorough
professional cleaning, meticulous oral hygiene, and antibiotic
therapy.
Juvenile
periodontitis
Juvenile
periodontitis typically occurs in the pre-teen to late teen
years. This disease occurs with little or no plaque and inflammation.
Juvenile periodontitis is connected to a defect in the immune
system and has a genetic component. Typically, the front teeth
and the six-year molars are the most frequently affected teeth.
Rapid and severe bone loss around these teeth may occur. Dr. Landes
will determine if deep cleaning and
specific antibiotic therapy may be helpful.
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