What is periodontal disease and how is it prevented?
Periodontal disease is a "quiet" disease. There are often no symptoms, and most patients are surprised to learn that extensive damage can occur without ever feeling pain or discomfort. Special and focused measurements are necessary to detect gum disease and, like oral cancer exams, should be part of a routine dental cleaning twice a year. Diabetics and smokers are at an increased risk for periodontal disease.
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque, (bacteria), is the primary cause of gum disease. Daily brushing, flossing, not smoking and regular professional cleanings to remove plaque can prevent most periodontal diseases.
Good hygiene is important. Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than cavities, and 3 out of 4 adults are affected at some time in their lives. Both dental decay and periodontal diseases are caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth. After a period of time, plaque hardens and becomes "calculus" or "tartar". Calculus can only be removed with professional cleaning.
The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing spaces, (pockets), to form. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and the bone that holds the teeth in place melts away.
Periodontal Diseases
Warning signs of periodontal disease
