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Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?Periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is commonly known as gum disease, as it is an inflammatory condition which affects the surrounding soft tissues of the tooth. Periodontal disease usually comes after gingivitis, which is a bacterial infection of gum tissue. A bacterial infection occurs when the toxins from plaque begin to inflame and irritate the gum tissues. After this bacterial infection gathers in the gum pockets located between the teeth, it is extremely hard to remove and treat. This type of disease is progressive and eventually causes the destruction of connective tissues and jawbone. If treatment is not applied, teeth can become loose or shift and fall out. When periodontal disease is left untreated, it can spread below the gum line. After the gums become irritated from these toxins, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue. Unfortunately, there are little to no signs or symptoms when it come to this disease.
- Chronic periodontitis: This is when inflammation occurs within the supporting tissues, resulting in deep pockets and gum recession. It may look at those the teeth are becoming longer, but in reality, the gums are receding. This is one of the most common forms of periodontal disease.
- Aggressive periodontitis: This type of gum disease can happen in an otherwise-healthy person. It is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment, as well as chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.