Advice and answers needed on Periodontal Disease? just diagnosed?

Question

Just got back from the dentist this morning.
I found out that I have chronic Periodontal Disease due to lack of flossing.
I brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash twice a day but apparently that was not enough!!!

anyways, I have to go under on Thursday for a deep cleaning.
I am scared out of my mind.

But I need to get this undercontrol ASAP , I'm starting to fixate on it.
I went online and did some research, I noticed that Periodontal Disease can cause Heart complications down the road.

I'm 27 years old, I eat right and excercise. I never thought I would have to WORRY about heart disease at this time in my life.

Do I seriously have to worry about this? or am I just overreacting?
I'm really scared. accepting the fact that I have any kind of disease iis scary.
I just want to get my teeth cleaned so I can stop worrying.
From here on out I will never miss a day of flossing.

please any answers or advice is needed.
thanks much

Answer 1

Get a second opinion, without give the new doctor any details of your other visit. If he says the same thing the first doctor said, I'd do whatever they advise you to do.

Answer 2

While I can't say that your periodontal issues are or are not serious, I can tell you that it appears to me that Dentists and other dental health professionals have been stepping up their marketing campaigns, cross-selling, and methods of making a buck any way they can.

I'm sure it's true that you have some issues that could be helped by flossing, and a good cleaning can only make your teeth healthier, and we all know there can be dangers to diseases of any kind. But I have been turned off of going to see my dentist by the constant attempts to get me to spend more money on my teeth.

Some of the things they want to do are outrageous! My brother in law was told he needed $14,000 of work done on his gums, and he refused to take the bait. It's now ten years later, he's 56 years old, and still has all his teeth, can still bite into apples, etc. and is not having any problems. I found out about this when I was told pretty much the exact same thing.

I'm not saying that Dentists are lying, but I do believe they cause needless worry and overstate the chances of serious problems if you don't do what they say. It's like the oil change guy telling you your tires are worn and that you could have a horrible accident if you don't buy some from his buddy down the street. Most of the time you get a flat tire and you get it patched, then drive on it for another five years. You don't need new tires when the old ones will still work well for a good long time.

But Dentists will tell you your teeth might fall out if you don't get a gum transplant soon. Or get that tooth pulled. Or cap that one in back there. Or get braces because your teeth won't be perfectly straight. Or get a specially made mouthpiece so you don't grind your teeth at night. All of these I've been told at various times in my life.

I suggest you go for that deep cleaning if you really feel you need it, floss every day from there on in (remember when brushing was enough?), and then stop worrying.

Answer 3

I believe that the heart disease that you are worried about is called Ludwig's Angina.
Unfortunately, this is a very real scenario that can happen as a result of dental complications.
You see, beneath the skin of your head and neck is muscle.
On these muscles, is a long piece of tissue known as a fascia.
When dental infections occur, they can spread down from the gums along the fascia and to your heart, causing Ludwig's Angina.
Periodonal disease is indeed a very serious problem, infact peridontitis is the late stage of gum related inflammation (infection).
Don't worry though, because with proper dental care and medical check up, the chances of suffering from Ludwig's Angina is quite slim.
Brushing is indeed not enough, because normal teeth are naturally grown with contact areas between adjacent teeth. These contact areas are tight enough to prevent your toothbrush from being effective, but are large enough for non-visible food particles to be deposited. Also, brushing cannot clean the area of the teeth just below the visible gum level, which can only be accessible by floss.
My advice to you is to relax, because as long as you take proper care of your teeth, in future, you will be fine.

Answer 4

I had deep cleaning and gum surgery with out being out..it is no big deal. yes gum disease can cause heart problems, but you are young and caught it quick enough that there is probably no need to be concerned..I have a hard time flossing, so use a water pick before and after brushing. I now have to go for cleanings every 3 mo. instead of every 6 mo. You will do fine.

Answer 5

the link between perio disease and heart disease is not conclusive in the literature.
An interdental brush will help with your cleaning. Ask your dentist about it.
You may need to visit your dentist 3 monthly for regular maintenance to ensure the problem is stable and well-controlled.
The only conclusive link is between perio disease and diabetes. Having either makes the other worse.