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Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. This infection is usually painless until it is almost too late to save teeth.
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Did you know? Almost 85% of all adults have some signs of periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease - including gingivitis and periodontitis - can lead not only to bad breath, swollen gums and tooth loss, but as research shows, may also have an adverse effect on one's general health. Periodontal disease has been linked to –amongst others - heart disease, stroke, diabetes and complications with pregnancy. For more information on how periodontal disease affects your overall health, click here |
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The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth, and contains potentially harmful bacteria. Daily home care, including proper tooth brushing and flossing, is essential to prevent plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into a substance called calculus (also known as tartar) in two days. Calculus is so hard it can only be removed through professional tooth cleaning.
Plaque gets into the space between the gum and the tooth, causing the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. This early stage – known as gingivitis – is completely reversible. Professional cleaning and good home care are usually enough to restore healthy gums with no permanent damage to supporting bone structure.
If gingivitis is left untreated, however, the tissues begin to break down in the space around and between the gum and tooth. These “pockets” that are formed, along with the bone loss that occurs, are signs of periodontitis.
Treatment is aimed at stopping further damage, and reversing the escalation of the disease. As the infection progresses, more bone and tissue are destroyed. The pockets deepen severely and may hold pus. The teeth become extremely loose and may fall out or need to be extracted.
At this stage, treatment is critical. Untreated adult periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and an increased risk for developing other, more serious diseases.
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