What is gum disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about seventy percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point of their life. It is caused by bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth. Toxins released by these bacteria irritate the gums and cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets, which fill with more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed.
Gum disease (or periodontal disease or gingivitis) is the number one cause of tooth loss today. The reason you lose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. As the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, your teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plague is not removed on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause periodontal disease.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss currently. Anyone at any age can have gum disease. Gum disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which together form the foundation for your teeth. As the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, they become loose and fall out. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it will form tartar, which is a breeding ground for germs that cause gum disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. Puffy, tender and red gums are also signs of infection. Regular visits to your dentist are the best way of stopping gum disease early before too much damage has been done. Gum disease will not go away by itself or with good home care. Plaque deep under the gums can only be removed with professional cleanings.
Periodontal disease is a progressive, chronic, often painless disease of the mouth, which is caused by a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It is not a “normal part of getting old…” Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. The symptoms or warning signs of periodontal disease include: • Swollen gums • Redness • Tender gums • Gums that bleed easily • Bleeding when brushing • Pus that comes from between the teeth and gums • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth • Halitosis [bad breath] • Persistent bad taste in your mouth • Loosening or loss of teeth • Teeth that are drifting or separating • Changes in the fit of partial dentures • Changes in the way that your teeth fit together when biting It is possible to have periodontal disease without any warning signs, therefore it is important to visit your dentist regularly to prevent periodontal disease from becoming severe. For more information on periodontal disease and its treatment, cli
