OUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS COLUMN IS: DR. Ruben H. Chanes, Periodontist (a specialist in gum disease). Doctor Chanes also has a specialty in dental implants.

Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting three out of four individuals sometime in their lives.

Question: Dr. Chanes can you help us define “gum disease”?

Answer: Gum disease begins with Gingivitus: The gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, it is reasonably easy to treat by a periodontist and good oral home care. If left untreated it can lead to periodontitus, and with time problem can spread to below the gum line.

The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. However, eventually, teeth can become loose and may require removal.

Q. Aside from poor oral hygiene are there other causes of gum disease?

A. There is a whole list of causes: diabetes, aids, smoking or chewing tobacco, stress habits such as clenching or grinding of teeth, hormone change during pregnancy, some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, steroids, epilepsy drugs and cancer fighting drugs.

Q. Left untreated, what are the consequences of periodontal disease?

A. A buildup of bacterial plaque is the enemy of healthy gums. If it is not removed, it hardens into a rough porous deposit called calculus or “tartar”. Toxins produced by the bacteria destroy supporting tissues around the teeth. Gums pull away from the teeth forming periodontal pockets or “gum pockets”. These pockets fill with more plaque , food, dried cells from the gum, bone and root surface, forming puss. As the disease progresses untreated, the pockets grow deeper. Plaque moves further down the roots of the teeth. Bone that supports the teeth may be permanently damaged . Untreated, the teeth can become loose and eventually lost.

Q. I have heard that gum disease can be contagious, is that true?

A. Recent studies have provided convincing evidence that transmission of periodontal pathogens occurs among spouses and between parents and their children.

Q. Left untreated, can gum diseases lead to other health problems beyond periodontal specific disease?

A. When horse traders buy an animal the first thing they check are the horse’s teeth and gums. This is the best indicator of how healthy the animal is in general. The same is true for the human animal. Research tends to support that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke. In pregnant women, the evidence suggest that 18% of low birth weight, among newborns, is caused by gum disease afflicting the mother. In addition, gum disease can affect your social, professional and sex life. Chronic halitosis is probable with gum disease.

Q. How is gum disease diagnosed?

A. The Periodonist will inspect the color and firmness of the gums and test teeth for looseness.

Also, a revision will be made to determine how your teeth fit together when you bite. A measuring instrument called a periodontal probe will be used to measure the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums. An X Ray exam is also important to evaluate the bone supporting teeth.

Q. Can any dentist treat periodontal disease?

A. A dentist who practices general dentistry can certainly diagnose signs of the disease, especially if the disease is advanced . However, Periodontists have extensive advanced training in the treatment of the disease. A minimum of two years of study beyond the DDS degree is required in both U.S. and Mexican dental schools. As a specialist they devote their careers, energy and skills to treating patients with periodontal disease. Periodontics is one of eight specialties recognized by both Mexican an U.S. dental associations.

Dr. Chanes’ practice is in Ensenada Baja California and like most Baja dentists his fees can be 30-50% less expensive than Periodontists North of the border. You can ask Dr. Chanes for U.S. patient references, he will be happy to provide you the contact information. Dr. Ruben Chanes, tel. from U.S. – 011 52 646 1782455
#777, suite 6, Av. Gastelum. Website - www.perioimplantes.com, e mail – chanes@telnor.net