Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases is an infection of the gums that gradually destroy the bone support of your natural teeth. This can occur around all of your teeth or be isolated to one area. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically-susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. Smoking is another contributing factor for loss of bone support surrounding your teeth.

Periodontal Disease is a serious and often a ongoing condition. As it progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness, and swelling do not have to be present. Further, pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease. This disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbone of more than 80 percent of Americans by age 45.

Often times, the first step to controlling Periodontal Disease is reducing the active infection process by completing Scaling and Root Planing (deep cleaning).