Shreveport Periodontal Diseases

Dr. Cody Cowen is a dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Diseases.


Q. What Causes Tooth Loss?

A.  Tooth loss can be contributed to many things.  Three things have to be present in order for teeth to decay (get cavities):  teeth, bacteria, and food (for the patient and bacteria).  Millions of bacteria are present even in a healthy mouth.  These bacteria are very opportunistic.  Whenever someone eats foods with sugar, the bacteria ingest the sugar and produce a byproduct that breaks down the tooth surface and causes a cavity (hole in the tooth).  If the cavity goes undetected long enough, the hole will continue to get larger, infection will set in, and, ultimately, it could lead to tooth loss.  People can also lose teeth for reasons other than cavities.  The same bacteria attack the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place.  When people do not attend their regular dental cleaning visits, this bacteria builds up on the surfaces of these teeth.  It starts as soft plaque, then hardens to form calculus, above and below the gums.  This "calculus" can accumulate in high volumes and deteriorate the gums, which can lead to bone loss.  If this happens, there is no support for the teeth and they eventually fall out.


Q. What Causes Periodontal Diseases?

A.  Periodontal disease comes from the buildup of opportunistic bacteria on the teeth.  This is called dental plaque.  Dental plaque is bacteria that collects on the teeth to form a biofilm, and can lead to tooth decay and gum problems, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.  If plaque builds up long enough, then the bacteria hardens to form calculus above and below the gums.  Periodontal Disease is very dangerous, because it is a silent disease.  There is generally no pain involved until it is too late.  Once bone loss occurs, the teeth can become mobile, painful, and abcessed.  This can lead to loss of the tooth.


Q. Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?

A.  Periodontal disease can be prevented if the proper care is taken.  Patients must brush well on all the surfaces of their teeth, including around the gums.  However, this is not enough.  Patients must also reach areas in-between the teeth using dental floss, water picks, etc.  Cleaning the teeth and stimulating the gums keeps them free of plaque, tartar, and calculus that cause periodontal disease.  Oral rinses, such as Listerine, have certain antibacterial effects and can be used as an adjunct to help maintain oral health, but it should not totally replace brushing and flossing.  Some patients have systemic diseases like diabetes that can negatively affect the gums.  Ask your dentist about any correlations between medical illnesses and oral health.  This just puts a stronger emphasis on the need to take proper care of oral health.  Even patients (myself included!) that brush and floss very well, can build up calculus.  Everyone should consistently see their dentist and hygienist for regularly scheduled six month cleanings.


Q. How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?

A.  Patients who do not properly brush and floss their teeth or who do not see their dentists for regular six-month hygiene visits build up bacteria, called plaque, on the surfaces of the teeth.  The teeth sit in bony sockets with gum tissue surrounding the neck of the tooth.  If bacteria is allowed to remain on the surface of the tooth long enough, it will harden to form calculus and destroy the attachment of the gums.  This allows access for the bacteria to the bone that hold the teeth in place.  Once the bacteria get to this level, the patients begin to get bone loss, and teeth are lost due to lack of support.  This is one of the most overlooked areas by patients, and one of the main reasons it is so important to floss.  Brushing and flossing helps clean off the plaque (bacteria) above and below the gum line.  Periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease.  Please see your dentist twice a year to maintain your cleanings.


Q. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?

A.  The best way to prevent plaque from attacking your teeth and gums is to avoid sugars, brush after meals and before bedtime, and use helpful adjuncts like fluoride rinses.  Make sure you are using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.


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

A.  You should brush and floss at least after meals and before bedtime.  The most important times to care for your teeth are:  the immediate 20 minutes after eating anything with sugar in it, and right before bedtime.  When you ingest sugar, the ph in your mouth turns very acidic.  The bacteria eat the sugar and produce a byproduct that destroys the teeth.  Brushing and flossing before bedtime is important, because, when you fall asleep you are at a higher risk for cavities.  You are no longer able to self-cleanse the teeth with your tongue, and you are not producing as much saliva, which helps buffer against cavities.


Q. What kind of toothpaste should I use?

A.  Most over-the-counter toothpastes have 1000 ppm fluoride.  As long as you are using a good fluoride toothpaste, you should be fine.  With small children, remember, it is harmful to swallow too much fluoride.  For this reason, there are specific toothpastes for small toddlers that do not contain fluoride.  Parents help your children with their brushing until they are old enough to understand how and when to brush.  Don't let them use regular fluoride toothpastes until they know not to swallow.  Some patients who have a higher risk for cavities will be prescribed a toothpaste with up to 5000 ppm fluoride.  Just ask your local dentist.


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

A.  I'm available at anytime to answer any questions you may have.  Please contact me at my Shreveport office at (318) 686-7470 or Bossier (318) 746--0111.  You can also reach us at our website at www.shreveport-bossierdental.com  I look forward to hearing from you.  Keep Smiling!