Perio problems can go beyond just teeth

It's a short word, but it can spell major issues. Perio, short for periodontitis, is an oral health issue that starts with gingivitis. Symptoms include red and swollen gums and bleeding while brushing and/or flossing.

Doctor of dental medicine Eve Chung said 47.2 percent of adults older than 30 have some form of it.

"Different studies give different (estimates). I've seen reports that have it anywhere from 50 to 82 percent," said Chung, who practices at 10175 W. Twain Ave., Suite 110.

Chung was giving a presentation July 30 at the Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin. Those in the audience cited interest in dental procedures and tooth care as reasons for attending.

"I've had my teeth done, and I want to know why my dentist (changed from) regular cleaning, like, years ago," said Lillian, who asked her last name not be used. "They give me the deep cleaning and mentioned the laser, but they didn't go into the reasons why."

Chung said of those age 65 or older, periodontitis is seen in 70.1 percent. She said older people's dexterity when brushing and flossing can be a factor.

Unchecked, perio can lead to the gums pulling away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to be harbored in the deep pockets. Later indicators are gum recession, pus in the gum line and persistent bad breath.

"Not like after you've had, like, garlic," Chung said. "It smells like rotting meat."

Incorrect flossing is seen as a major contributor to the start of the disease. Once entry is gained, the bacteria begins to break down the bone in which the teeth are anchored.

"If it's severe, the bone loss can be seen in X-rays," Chung said.

Good oral health includes using a fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.

Perio is treated in quadrants with deep cleaning and can include scaling and root planing. Depending on the risk, peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) can be used, as can laser bacterial reduction therapy. The latter breaks down the cellular walls of the bacteria. Daily use of antibacterial mouthwashes are needed once the deep pockets have been professionally cleaned out.

"If one tooth is affected, it's likely that (others) will be, too," Chung said. "Because of saliva, everything tends to spread. … If you only have the chance to brush once a day, I'd say do it at night before you go to bed because you don't want all that (bacteria) to sit there. So, it's good to get it all clean."

One will need to see their dentist more often than someone without perio to keep things in check.

It used to be thought that the bacteria was at fault, said Chung, but now the inflammation is seen as the culprit. She agreed that today's diet is not the best for oral health.

"With a lot of intake of really sugary or acidic things, over time, it will affect your teeth a lot," Chung said. "If you don't rinse out with water or brush your teeth, it makes it even worse. I think, follow the rule of moderation. When you don't have good hygiene, that's when things will start to go downhill."

The damage is measured in millimeters. The worst is 6 millimeters or above, which is considered advanced periodontitis. Advanced perio puts one more at risk of losing their teeth without proper treatment. When perio is so advanced that the bone no longer can support the tooth, full or partial dentures, bridges or implants are options.

Perio is not just a matter of having teeth issues. When the bacteria gets below the gum line, it has access to the blood stream. Perio has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and respiratory cancers, Chung said.

It's more common in men than women, in people who smoke and those who live below the federal poverty line. She cited studies on the issue.

"For cancer, they found that men with gum disease were 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer and 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 80 percent more likely to develop blood cancers," she said. "Sorry, men."

— To reach Summerlin Area View reporter Jan Hogan, email jhogan@viewnews.com or call 702-387-2949.