What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gum tissue and bone that encases your teeth. It causes the attachment of the tooth and tissues around it to break down. There are two stages – Gingivitis, which is reversible and affects only the gums. And Periodontitis – which affects the bone and is much more destructive and can lead to the loss of your teeth. You don’t have to loose your teeth to periodontal disease. Prevention is key, include brushing and flossing twice a day in good daily hygiene routine.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body
A. Periodontal disease (also called gum disease or gingivitis) refers to the infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. Many individuals suffer from some degree of gum disease, and if left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, break down of the soft tissue in the mouth and jaw and other significant health problems. Your dentist at Aesthetic Smile Design assesses and diagnoses your periodontal health and if needed, advises the appropriate therapy to restore gums and supportive tissues. Then, our specially trained team administers advanced periodontal therapy.
Because periodontal disease is usually painless, it may progress unnoticed. In advanced gum disease loss of tooth support is irreversible. Sometimes teeth must be removed because the periodontal damage cannot be corrected and nearby healthy teeth can loose support from the infection close by. In addition to resulting in tooth loss, untreated gum disease is now known to affect other systemic problems including diabetes and heart problems. New studies show that atherosclerois in some people may be related to gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a serious chronic bacterial infection that attacks and destroys the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. Infection occurs when dental plaque, a sticky sometimes colorless film, accumulates on the surfaces of teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce chemicals that can affect the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. In the early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially breaks down and destroys the bon
