What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as "gum disease" or "Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone which support your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can cause you to lose your teeth. Periodontal infection is responsible for 75% of adult tooth loss.

What is an ongoing infection?

When you were a child did you ever get a bad scrape which got all red and swollen? That was because harmful bacteria that got under your skin and caused an infection. It may have lasted for days or even weeks. Finally your immune system conquered the bad bacteria and the infection went away.

With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle. If you have periodontal disease, your immune system has lost the battle with periodontal bacteria to a point where you now have deep pockets of infection around your teeth.

Why should I get my periodontal infection treated right away?

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a " burst" of activity are:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene. 2. Dental Plaque. 3. Smoking. 4. Genetic Factors. 5. Stress or Tension. 6. Diet. 7. Age. 8. Illness

Periodontal Infection grows in "bursts."

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Usually Periodontal Infection is painless until it reaches more advanced stages. However there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of Periodontal Infection.

These include:

1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Bad breath
6. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
7. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
8. Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

Your general dentist is trained in the detection and treatment of the early stages of periodontal infection. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of the gums and bone around your teeth, this includes periodontal infection, gum and bone grafting, implants and many other treatments (see the Procedures Section). Periodontics is one of 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.