Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It can be caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build upon the teeth and harden. In extreme cases, periodontal disease can lead to sore bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. A recent CDC report states that 47.2% of adults ages 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is very common in adults and is more prevalent as we age. For this reason, dentists must work towards preventing periodontal disease in its earliest stage, gingivitis.

Gingivitis is described as swollen, red gums that may bleed. For dentists, gingivitis is easy to spot and is one of the most common warning signs of pre-periodontal disease. I think this is crucial because the goal of dentists is to prevent oral disease before treatment is required. In the past, I have also dealt with gingivitis. However, as described by medical professionals I can attest through experience that the effects are reversible. In the future, I would like to keep my patients informed about oral diseases, especially ones we can prevent. Gum disease may increase the risk of many other health complications such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. It has even been linked to problems with pregnancy, and dementia. To improve overall public health we must start small and focus on preventing these diseases. Dentists must keep their patients well informed about these diseases and create treatment plans for patients who may already show signs of periodontal disease.

There are several symptoms of gum disease such as halitosis (bad breath that won’t go away), red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, and receding gums or longer appearing teeth. Regular flossing, along with brushing, is key in preventing periodontal disease. As periodontal disease worsens it may cause tooth loss due to the loosening of the tissues which hold the teeth (gums). One skill all dentists should have is the ability to communicate with their patients; to tell them what they need to improve on to better their oral health in a way that patients truly listen.

In severe cases, general dentists may refer patients to periodontists. Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide patients with treatment options that are not offered by a general dentist. Although periodontists are very important to the dental field, I do not think this specialization is for me. I find the study of gum disease quite mundane and I would much rather prefer working in a subfield of dentistry such as cosmetic maxillofacial surgery because it involves cosmetic dentistry. That being said, I am aware of the importance of gum disease. I just do not find interest in it enough to specialize in it.

Through my research on periodontal disease, I learned how crucial it is to keep patients informed of this easily preventable disease. Patients need to be aware of the consequences of not properly brushing or flossing and dentists need to be the ones to encourage them to do so. By promoting proper brushing and flossing techniques we can lower the percentage of adults who struggle with periodontal disease and take steps towards improving overall health. I am glad I researched this topic as well as the specialization that follows. I learned this subfield is not for me and it helped me determine where I should focus my research onto next. I would like to research subfields involved in oral surgery. Specifically, oral surgery that may not come from a preventable disease rather ones where minor to severe operations are required. During my first research assignment, I fell in love with the subfield of cosmetic dentistry and now I am sure that is where my passion lies.