Periodontal (Gum) Diseases

What is periodontal disease?
1. Periodontal diseases are serious infections that if left untreated can lead to tooth and bone loss. Additionally, this serious infection has been linked to heart disease, stroke, pregnancy problems, diabetes, respiratory problems and osteoporosis.
2. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The gums become red, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort associated with this form of the disease. The good news is that at this stage with proper non-surgical treatment the disease is completely reversible.
3. Untreated gingivitis may progress into periodontitis. The tissues and bone are destroyed by the advancing bacteria. The gum tissue separates from the teeth creating a pocket between the gum and the tooth. As the disease progresses, if left unchecked, the pockets deepen and more gum and bone are destroyed leading to abscess, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Gingivitis: Plaque and its byproducts irritate the gums making them tender and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis: Plaque hardens into tarter. The seal between the gum and tooth opens and bacteria attack the gum and bone causing bone loss. The bone supports the teeth in a similar way to earth supporting a fence post.

Advanced Periodontitis: The gum and bone which support the teeth is damaged. Bone loss is advanced and leads to loose teeth which may require extraction.