Kennewick Periodontal Disease

Dr. Craig K. Barney is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Disease.


Q. What Causes Tooth Loss?

A. In adults, there are two major causes of tooth loss:  Tooth decay and gum disease.  Tooth decay or cavities start when bacteria ingest the simple sugars in your diet and produce lactic acid as their byproduct.  The acid then begins to break down your teeth eventually causing a cavity, which if left untreated can cause the need for a root canal or extraction.
 
Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease is caused when calcified plaque called tartar or calculus builds up at or below the gumline.  Tartar is highly colonized with bacteria and its presence will often illicit an immune response which ends up destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in your jaws.  There are several risk factors for gum disease including smoking, oral hygiene, age, diabetes, and genetics.  It is important to note that gum disease has been found to put you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
 
In Children, the major cause of tooth loss is tooth decay.  Tooth decay in children differs from adults in that decay progresses much quicker.  While some people may think that "they are just baby teeth and will be lost anyway" it is very important to stop dental disease in children.  It has been shown that early loss of baby teeth can lead to major orthodontic problems that can sometimes only be fixed with surgery, growth issues with the lower face and decay on permanent teeth.  It is very important that your child be seen by a dentist by two years of age so that we can help prevent disease before it starts.

Q. What Causes Periodontal Diseases?

A. The term "perio" means "around" and the term "dontal" means teeth, so this is a disease affecting the structures around the teeth.  The main cause of periodontal disease is opportunistic bacteria.  If an individual gets plaque build-up around the teeth and it is not removed, it can calcify into tarter or calculus in a matter of a week or so.  Tartar deposits above the gum line can lead to tartar deposits below the gum line which will cause active disease and ultimately destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissue 
 
Treatment for this condition may include scaling and root planing (ie: a deep cleaning) or gum surgery for more advanced cases.  It is important to be screened at least once a year for gum disease by a dental professional because it is a "silent disease" and quite often people do not know they have it until it is too late.

Q. Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?

A. Periodontal disease is a very preventable disease.  By following these simple guidelines, chances are, you will not develop the disease:
   1.  Home Care -  Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are the key to healthy gums.
   2.  Regular professional cleanings and check ups -  when you are seen by a dentist regularly (at least every six months), the dentist or dental hygienist will remove any tartar deposits found on your teeth.  This lowers your risk of periodontal disease.
   3.  Avoid Smoking -  Smoking is the number one risk factor for periodontal disease.

Q. How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?

A. Plaque affects the gums first by acting as an irritant to the gum tissue.  The response of the gums is the same as what happens to any other part of the body that is affected by an irritation:  it gets inflamed.  This inflamation is what we call gingivitis (ging = gums and vitis = inflammation of).  If the plaque is left undisturbed long enough it is allowed to calcify into tartar which leads to periodontal disease.

Q. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?

A. You can easily stop the problems associated with plaque accumulation by simply brushing and flossing regularly.  Don’t leave it up to your dental office to remove your plaque for you because by the time they see you for a cleaning, it has likely turned into tartar.

 Q. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

A. I recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once per day.  I also highly recommend using either a SonicCare or OralB electric toothbrush.  Studies have shown that these electric toothbrushes are much more effective in removing plaque from teeth than your regular manual toothbrush.  They also have the added benefit of strengthening and firming your gums as well.

Q. What kind of toothpaste should I use?

A. There is a lot of confusing marketing out there regarding toothpastes and mouthwashes.  When you turn on the television, we are bombarded with toothpaste claims of pro-health, anti-gingivitis, extra-super-duper whitening, desensitizing, enamel strengthening and so on.  It really comes down to just four important active ingredients in toothpastes you should look for according to your needs:
  1.  Sodium Fluoride - Strengthens enamel against cavities
  2.  Stannous Fluoride - Strengthens enamel against cavities
  3.  Potasium Nitrate - Anti-sensitivity agent found in toothpastes like Sensodyne
  4.  Hydrogen Peroxide, Calcium Peroxide or any Peroxide derivative - Tooth whitening agent. However, the concentration is usually so low that these toothpastes have little effect on tooth color.  If you really want to whiten your teeth, talk to your dentist regarding tooth whitening.
 
Stay away from toothpastes containing Sodium Phyrophospate which is found in the "anti-tartar" toothpastes.  Tartar cannot be removed by a toothpaste and this compound is notorious for causing sensitivity.

Q. How to contact Dr. Barney if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
7233 West Deschutes Avenue, Suite E
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 374-4077   
E-mail:cbarneydmd@gmail.com
Website:http://www.tailor-madesmiles.com/