Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms – particularly pain – may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, signs and symptoms include:Red, swollen or tender gums 

When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed, and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak, but they also affect your smile. Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of various types of bacteria, saliva, cellular and food debris which adhere to your teeth and extends below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily.  If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).  This can occur both above and below the gum line.  While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at-home oral care. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to Periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The irritating toxins produced by the bacteria stimulate a chronic inflammatory response.  The body responds aggressively to this bacterial presence which results in destruction of the surrounding supportive tissues and bone.  Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets between the teeth and gums that can become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may fall out or need to be removed.  

Systemic diseases such as diabetes and cancer as well as certain medications can also have a detrimental effect on gingival health. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of the alveolar bone can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria. Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting.