Dr. Roger M. Anderson, DDS, MS

Diabetes, when well controlled, does not cause periodontal disease (bone loss around teeth). However, blood sugar levels above normal can significantly contribute to disease around the teeth. The good news is that treating periodontal disease can also improve your diabetic status and vice versa. Make sure to have your gums checked regularly to help prevent advanced bone loss.

If your gums are bleeding and your oral hygiene is meticulous, you may have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a condition where there is bone loss and it cannot be cured with brushing and flossing. It is important to have an exam with a periodontist to determine the cause of your symptoms.

It is normal for all sutures to come out after 6 months of healing. In most cases, the stitches are only beneficial during the first 2-3 weeks following the surgery and then will dissolve or be removed by your surgeon. Make sure to follow your instructions given at the day of the surgery to prevent complications.

The most common causes for recession include toothbrush/toothpaste abrasion, tooth movement, congenitally malpositioned, (roots in the wrong position from birth) and periodontal disease. Many people are likely to develop root recession without even realizing it. However, with assistance from a periodontist, you can prevent recession from occurring or treat it before it becomes severe.

Exposure of roots of teeth may be unaesthetic, have sensitivity to hot/cold, or be predisposed to getting cavities. It is generally recommended to restore the missing tissue to recreate gingival (gum) health. Recovery depends highly on the technique used for surgery. Grafting the roots of teeth takes less time, has minimal discomfort due to eliminating incisions (no cuts are made in the gum), eliminating donor sites (grafts are not borrowed from the mouth), and sometimes sutures are not even required. Treating multiple teeth at one appointment is now done comfortably with advances in techniques and medications. IV sedation is also an option as a twilight sleep that reduces the perceived length of the appointment and provides amnesia, so you may not even remember it!

Periodontitis is a chronic disease that is diagnosed when there is bone loss around teeth. It is a silent disease that most people don't recognize until it becomes too late. Symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding gums, halitosis (bad breath) and loose teeth. However, sometimes people don't have any symptoms until it is diagnosed by a periodontist or dentist. The best way to measure the extent of disease is by taking radiographs (X-rays) and using a round ruler to measure the gums around your teeth. Ask your dentist at your next visit to tell you if you have any signs of periodontal disease. The treatment depends on how aggressive the disease is and the extent of bone loss. Fortunately, periodontal therapy can stop the progression of irreversible bone damage caused by the disease. My team and I work to save teeth and allow people to smile and chew comfortably.

Gingivitis (when your gums bleed) is an early sign of gum disease. Unfortunately, many people do not find out how severe the disease is until the bone loss is progressive because there is minimal discomfort. This silent disease leads to requiring tooth removal if the disease is not corrected early enough.

Also, a white film around your teeth is not normal and should be evaluated by a dentist or periodontist. White around the base of teeth may be calculus which is a mineral deposit that bacteria live in. The waste products that bacteria create will dissolve teeth causing cavities and bone loss. To prevent the embarrassment of losing teeth, it is recommended to have a thorough periodontal exam at least annually.

Recurring throat infections should be taken seriously with a consultation from your family physician. However, throat infections may also be related bacteria from periodontal disease. Early signs of periodontal disease include halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis (bleeding gums), and loose teeth. There is rarely any discomfort with periodontal disease so it is important for a dentist or periodontist to evaluate for bone loss and potential sites for bacterial infection.

Roger Anderson, DDS, MS