What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a graduated destructive process that breaks down the supporting structures of the teeth. Most Americans experience some form of periodontal disease, often without realizing it. The disease starts long before any symptoms appear, but can eventually cause bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal disease can easily be prevented with proper oral hygiene and professional treatment. If diagnosed in its early stages, periodontal disease may be treated effectively.
A. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. The mouth is filled with countless bacteria. Periodontal disease begins when certain bacterial plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and surfaces lining the mouth) produce toxins and enzymes that cause inflammation of the gums. The resulting inflammation, which may be painless, can damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth causing periodontal pockets. Left untreated, periodontal disease eventually will lead to tooth loss. Recent research also confirms a link between periodontal diease and other health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia and increased risk during pergnancy.
Periodontal disease can be described as an inflammation or infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Bacterial plaque and its toxic by-products, plus calculus and roughened root surfaces overwhelm the mouth’s defenses. Typically, unhealthy gum tissue covers eroded bone, resulting in abnormal pockets around the roots. Recent studies show that there is a definite relationship between gum and bone health and certain heart conditions and other systemic diseases. The health of a person’s mouth is very important to his/her general health.
Periodontal disease affects the gums and structures that support your teeth. One of the first warning signs that theres a problem is when the rim of the gums next to teeth becomes red and swollen, and bleeds easily when touched. Most often there is no discomfort at this stage, yet the disease has gained a foothold and is now known as “gingivitis.” Gingivitis is reversible with improved oral hygiene techniques and a professional cleaning. Left untreated, however, the danger exists that it will progress into an irreversible periodontal condition – periodontitis – that damages the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis is a more advanced disease. Bone and tissues supporting the teeth are destroyed, yet still, an individual may be unaware of the problem existing in their mouth. When this occurs, the gum attachment begins separating from the teeth, creating “pockets.” These pockets harbor millions of bacteria trapped in a plaque that sticks to the teeth. Unfortunately for us, th
