What is Periodontal Disease?

 

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.  It is a common, chronic and persistent infection.  It is the most common chronic bacterial infection in adults, yet the least diagnosed.  Three out of four adults develop a periodontal infection.  Destructive bacteria from these infections cause gums to swell.  These periodontal bacteria also enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections.

 

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.  It begins when the the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that forms constantly on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.  Periodontal disease can range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bones that support the teeth.  In the worst cases, teeth are lost, and other serious complications can occur.

In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily when you brush or floss.  There is usually little or no discomfort.  Gingivitis is often caused by improper oral hygiene, but can be eliminated with professional treatment and better home care.

 

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.  With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line.  Toxins produced in plaque irritate the gums.  The toxins simulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.  Bacterial toxins and the body’s own enzymes fighting the infection actually break down the tissue that holds the teeth in place.  Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected.  As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more tissue and bone are destroyed.   The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

 

Because periodontal disease often causes no discomfort or has no symptoms, you may not think it is necessary to treat it.  It can lead to many other systemic health issues, so make sure you get in to see your dentist!

 

Routine, effective treatment of periodontal disease is needed for care and prevention.