What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If plaque is not regularly removed, it calcifies into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. By products of bacterial metabolism irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and more prone to bleed. Eventually, the supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. The result of this slow process is tissue loss, bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
“Periodontal” literally means “around the teeth”. Periodontal disease is when the gums, bone and connective tissue around the teeth become diseased. Periodontal disease can range from very slight and easily controllable to severe and not controllable. It is usually caused by a combination of several factors: 1. Insufficient oral hygiene. Sometimes the patient cannot clean the areas properly, and sometimes they simply aren’t. 2. Poor general health of the body, making it susceptible to disease. Conditions such as Diabetes, poor nutritional habits and smoking can weaken your body’s resistance to periodontal disease. 3. Functionality problems with the teeth themselves. Grinding and clenching of teeth can worsen periodontal disease. Missing teeth that have never been replaced and become tipped can exacerbate the condition as well. Periodontal disease frequently can cause the loss of teeth if not treated. Although you may be aware of some of the more visible signs of this disease such as bl
Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone surrounding the teeth. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film from food and bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is hard to see plaque. After plaque has been on the teeth for 24 hours, starts to calcify and become tartar of calculus. The bacteria in plaque and calculus produce toxins, that, combined with your body’s reaction to them, destroys the bone around your teeth. Once bone is lost, it never grows back on its own. When too much bone is lost, there is so little support for the teeth, they get loose and have to be removed.
Toxic bacteria in plaque and calculus can cause periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. It is a chronic bacterial infection that affects supportive structures of the mouth including the gums, ligaments and bone surrounding your teeth. It is a silent disease like hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, which means that it often causes no discomfort. Periodontal disease has far-reaching systemic affects and plays a role in and makes you more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic ailments. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums is a precursor to this disease. It includes the skillful removal of these bacterial agents from the teeth, root surfaces and gum pockets. This is followed, in most cases, by the placement of a special antibiotic, known as Arestin, into the gum pocket. This adjunct has drastically improved the outcome of periodontal therapy. Santa Fe dental can help you make decisions about the most appropriate treatments to restore the health o
Most adults have some form of dental disease sometime in their lifetime. In fact the leading cause of tooth loss in adults is due to periodontal disease. The ironic thing is that it is so easily prevented. Periodontal disease very simply is the infection of the gum and supporting tissues due to poor oral hygiene (poor brushing and flossing). Proper regular removal of bacteria will prevent periodontal disease from starting and once started adequate bacterial control will prevent the advancement of gum disease.
