What is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is literally a disease of the tissues around (“peri”) the tooth (“dontal”). It is most often caused by dental plaque, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria. The bacteria in the plaque create toxins (poisons) that irritate the gum tissue, causing the gums to become tender, red, and swollen. It also causes the gums to bleed easily. Eventurally, the toxins in the plaque irritates the gums so much that they can no longer attach to the tooth where they used to, and the gums recede, (backs away) from the tooth. This causes pockets between the gum and the tooth. The bacteria move deeper, into the pocket, and cause the gums to recede even more. Eventually, the irritants in the plaque start to affect the bone surrounding the teeth, and as the bone recedes, the teeth become loose. Click on Periodontal Disease for additional information and graphics.
Periodontal disease is the deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth. Also known as periodontitis, it involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth and may eventually lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth if left untreated. Periodontitis is caused by a convergence of bacteria that adhere to and grow on the tooth’s surfaces, along with an overly aggressive immune system response against these bacteria. Periodontitis is very common and in the USA has a prevalence of 30-50% of the population, but only about 10% have severe forms. A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe and radiographs by visual analysis to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue that supports your teeth. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down and form a pocket. The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and is made mostly of bacteria. When plaque is not removed through good oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. During your checkup, your dentist will examine your gums. He will use an instrument called a periodontal probe to gently measure the depth of the tissue surrounding each tooth. The probe will determine whether you have developed any pockets and the depth of those pockets. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, your dentist may provide treatment or may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontal (gum) diseases are chronic infections of the tissues which surround and support the teeth. Not only can these diseases lead to tooth loss, but there is increasing evidence that they can also affect your general health. Periodontal disease begins with an accumulation of dental plaque, which is a collection of bacteria that constantly form around your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film which can be easily removed with a toothbrush and dental floss (remember that a toothbrush doesn’t reach in between the teeth). If plaque is left on the teeth, it mineralizes to form a hard deposit (tartar). The early form of the disease is called gingivitis and the signs of this disease can be quite subtle. They include swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. The treatment for gingivitis is usually a thorough cleaning of the teeth at the dentist’s office. If left untreated, gingivitis can often progress to periodontitis. This is a more severe form of the disease in which bacteria and the
