Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is more common than many realize and can have far-reaching effects on overall health, according to Dr. Rebecca Weightman, owner of Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena.
“Periodontal disease is the buildup of bacteria around the teeth, and that leads to infections in the gum and the bone that support the teeth,” Weightman said. “Eventually, this leads to bone loss, it can lead to tooth mobility and then the teeth can be lost as a result of this.”
The disease is often subtle and painless in its early stages, making it difficult for individuals to detect without regular dental exams.
“It’s more common than people realize because people don’t feel it happening,” Weightman explained. “It’s very subtle. It’s like when you have high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels, you don’t necessarily know there is something wrong because nothing hurts. You really need to have an exam to know that it’s happening, especially in the early stages.”
Warning signs of periodontal disease include red, puffy, tender, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, teeth that feel like they are shifting, and gum recession.
If left untreated, the condition can lead to a state of chronic inflammation that affects the entire body.
“Basically having untreated periodontal disease leads to a state of chronic inflammation, and this will affect the inflammatory mediators that are released throughout your whole body,” Weightman said.
“So there’s relationships between periodontal disease and increased risk of cancers, heart disease, diabetes with early tooth loss, and edentulism, which is when you’re missing all of your teeth. There are correlations with missing all of your teeth, getting inadequate nutrition and having increased chances of dementia.”
Studies have found that the bacteria from infected gums can travel through the bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body, such as contributing to the buildup of arterial plaque in heart disease and complications with joint replacements.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing periodontal disease is that many people are unaware they have it until it progresses to more advanced stages.
“Probably the biggest thing is that if it doesn’t hurt, people don’t really know that it’s happening or they might not believe that it’s happening,” Weightman said. “Everything feels okay. They don’t notice the gums bleeding, and then suddenly they go to see a dentist. The dentist takes measurements around the teeth and they’re being told they have deep pockets.”
To prevent periodontal disease, Weightman recommends flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and getting routine dental care, including a yearly periodontal exam and regular professional cleanings. More frequent cleanings may be necessary for those with a history of periodontal disease.
“Over the age of 30 years old, there’s some studies showing 47% of adults have periodontal disease, and once you get in the age group over 65 years old, 70% of adults have it,” Weightman noted.
Weightman’s Foundation Dental Specialists, which has been serving the Pasadena area since 1974 under the direction of Dr. Charles and Dr. Morishita, expanded its services to include endodontic specialty care in 2022, further solidifying its commitment to comprehensive dental care. The practice is known for its use of advanced technology, such as CBCT imaging, microscopes, and lasers to provide precise and effective treatments.
Weightman emphasizes the practice’s mission is “to provide the highest caliber of periodontal and endodontic care while delivering an exceptional patient experience.” This is achieved through patient education and long-term dental care relationships.
“Our practice has been around for a really long time, and every day I meet patients that have been working with our team of hygienists for decades,” Weightman said. “I meet people that have been at the practice for 30 to 40 years and they’ve been able to keep the majority of their teeth because of their commitment to their oral hygiene at home and their routine maintenance care in our office.”
By raising awareness about the prevalence and potential health impacts of periodontal disease, Weightman hopes to encourage more people to prioritize their oral health and seek regular dental care.
“It’s treatable, especially if it is discovered early,” she said. “We specialize in all dental issues below the gum line. So everything that you need to have a strong, healthy foundation for your smile is what we can help you with.”
Questions? Call Foundation Dental Specialists at (626) 796-5361 or visit https://www.foundationdentalspecialists.com/
