About Periodontal Dieseases
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).
When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!
Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affect these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
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Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Periodontal Disease FAQ
Is periodontal disease serious?
Periodontitis can often lead to tooth loss and serious infections if left untreated. In fact, sometimes these infections can even spread to other areas of the body. There have also been some studies that show periodontal disease can cause heart problems and complications in patients with diabetes.
What are the causes of periodontal disease?
While there are a number of factors that can lead to periodontal disease, the two primary causes are smoking and poor dental hygiene. However, it can also be caused by things, like genetics, age, diabetes, and heart disease.
What are the early signs of periodontal disease?
It's important to catch periodontal disease as early as possible in order to avoid it causing any long-term damage to your health. If your gums are currently experiencing weird symptoms, such as swelling, discoloration, tenderness, and/or bleeding, you may have periodontal disease. Additional signs can include pus between your teeth and gums and spitting out blood after brushing or flossing your teeth.
