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Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums and
surrounding tissue of the teeth. According to the American Dental
Association 70% of the adults in the United States have some form of
periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth
and bone loss. The welcome news is that periodontal
treatment can make your mouth healthier and help you keep your teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Though the symptoms of
periodontal disease are often subtle, the disease is not entirely without
warning signs. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact dentist.
- Gums that bleed when you
brush often
- Red, swollen, or tender
gums
- Persistent bad breath or
bad taste
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your
teeth fit together when you bite
You may have periodontal disease without noticing any
symptoms.
There are three main stages of periodontal disease: Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Advanced Periodontitis. Early
detection and treatment can help periodontal disease from progressing.
Gingivitis
 Bacteria
and plaque have caused the gums to become inflamed and to bleed easily.
Plaque gets in the spaces between the gums and the tooth, causing
"pockets", or separations between the gums and the root of the
tooth. Good home care and professional cleaning are usually enough to
restore healthy gums.
Periodontitis
 High
levels of bacteria initiate the release of tissue destroying enzymes. These
enzymes start a process which results in deeper pockets and more bone loss.
Treatment here is aimed at stopping further damage and reversing the
progression of the disease.
Advanced Periodontitis
 Bacteria
and enzymes here cause gum and bone to even degrade further. At this stage,
the teeth become loose as the bone weakens and tooth loss is possible. The
teeth appear to elongate as the gums recede and the teeth often move out of
position.
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