|
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflamatory dissease that attacks, the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and they do not even know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Having a good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits to your dentist office, can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
|
Periodontal disease is also the number one cause for tooth loss. Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions.
Symptoms and signs of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding gums – Your gums should never bleed, even when you brush or floss vigorously.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
|
