What is periodontal disease, and why should it be treated?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that causes loss of the bone that holds the teeth in. It is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. Periodontal disease starts because plaque is not being properly removed by brushing and flossing, and remains on the teeth. These bacteria infiltrate the gums, causing inflammation. This beginning stage is called gingivitis, and is characterized by red, puffy gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, or using a toothpick. If this initial stage is not treated (usually a standard dental cleaning, followed by good oral hygiene is sufficient), the disease will begin to affect the bone holding the teeth in place. We test for periodontal disease by a procedure called periodontal probing, where a small round ruler is used to measure the distance between where the gums attach to the neck of the tooth, and where you can see the edge of them. If the gums are healthy, the measurement (pocket) will be 3mm or less, and there
Related Questions
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- What is periodontal disease (gum disease) and how can it be treated?
- What is periodontal disease, and why should it be treated?
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- Can Periodontal Disease be Treated Non-Surgically?
- Can Periodontal Disease be Treated Non-Surgically?
