What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease Explained
The word "periodontal" means "around the tooth." Periodontal Disease (also known as "gum disease", "pyorrhea" or "periodontal infection") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums. If it isn't treated, the inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss.
More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems, including; heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, good oral health is essential. Good periodontal health is a key component of a healthy body.
Periodontal Disease is an "Ongoing Infection"
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that became red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin. The area became infected and inflamed. It may have lasted for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation went away. The inflammation disappeared when your immune system conquered the bacteria and the infection healed.
With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle; the infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth: Your immune system cannot conquer the bacteria, and without treatment, it will get worse.
What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?
Whoopi Goldberg's Experience with Gum Disease People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that 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:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress or tension
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away
When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, it is very important that you contact us without delay to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We will be able to determine the treatment necessary to control your periodontal infection and set you on a path toward excellent oral health.
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection. These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact our office for a periodontal examination.
Who is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 2 to 3 additional years of education beyond dental school.
Periodontists also provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening and bone regeneration (see the Individual & Cosmetic Procedures section for more information on these procedures).
