What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria that gets deep into your gums and causes tissue inflammation. This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section titled “Periodontal Disease”.
Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria which gets deep into your gums. This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled “Consequences”.
Long-standing gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. There are a number of forms of periodontal disease and they all affect the supporting structures of the teeth. As the disease progresses, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
This is an inflammatory process whereby the supporting structure of the teeth, the periodontal membrane and the bone are destroyed, eventually leading to tooth loss. This can be a long, slow process taking many years, or can occur very quickly. Risk factors include smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, clenching or grinding teeth possibly related to stress and medication use. Pregnancy, puberty, poor nutrition and other diseases can also play a role.
