What are periodontal diseases?
The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. There are many forms of periodontal disease: gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate to advance periodontitis, juvenile periodontitis.
Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections of the gums and the tooth supporting tissues. These diseases are caused by infected plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. The presence of undisturbed plaque for 2-3 weeks will quickly cause gingivitis noted by redness, bleeding and swelling of the gums. Continuation of gingivitis may lead to formation of pockets surrounding the teeth where bacteria can hide and multiply. Bacterial products will cause further destruction of the bone and the beginning of looseness, drifting and early loss of teeth. Entry of bacteria and their products into the blood stream are believed to contribute to heart diseases and other cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
