Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, a chronic infection of the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease often begins as a mild condition called gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis may be subtle and can include red or swollen gums, gums that bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed, and chronically bad breath.
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria in your mouth. Many kinds of bacteria, most of which are harmless, colonize the mouth. Those that are associated with periodontal disease, though, use the food you eat as fuel and then produce an acidic waste product that can attack your dental enamel and gums. These bacteria are harbored in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth every day. Dentists advise brushing after meals or at least twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and along the gumline. Flossing removes plaque from between teeth.
When you have developed gingivitis, you will need to act quickly to keep it from developing into the more advanced gum disease. When promptly and properly treated, gingivitis is highly manageable and even reversible. Periodontal disease, however, can have serious repercussions on your dental health.
The symptoms of gum disease may be as subtle as those associated with gingivitis. Gum disease is usually painless, but teeth may become sensitive as gums begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving roots exposed. Pockets along the gumline allow further bacteria growth, driving the infection even further into the oral cavity. Once plaque and tartar start to build up beneath the gumline and the infection spreads, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate.
Bone loss can have extremely serious consequences. Not only is tooth loss more likely to occur once the gums have receded and the infection has worsened, but the jawbone can become weaker as well. Treatment may not be able to reverse existing damage from periodontal disease at this stage, yet it can prevent the condition from worsening. Your dentist will likely take immediate action to preserve your teeth and gum tissue.
Scaling and planing, a deep cleaning procedure is often one of the first steps in saving your oral health. Your dentist will clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and smooth any exposed areas. Antibiotic or laser therapy and surgery may also be appropriate in some situations.
Untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and serious overall health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, oral cancer, respiratory infections, and miscarriage or preterm birth. Your gums may recede to the point that tooth roots are exposed and painful, or they may become quite swollen and very painful or bleed easily. Any symptoms of gum disease indicate a thorough dental exam is in order.
At NOHO Dental Group, our North Hollywood periodontist offers different options for treating periodontal disease.