Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone underneath the affected area.
When people have periodontal disease, their gums become inflamed and can bleed when brushed. In severe cases, real damage can be done to the soft tissues that support teeth, causing tooth loss.
There are two common forms: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the first sign of periodontal disease and one of the most common reasons for tooth loss. Some experts believe that over half the U.S. population have some form of gingivitis. Some symptoms of gingivitis include:
Periodontitis is an extreme form of gum disease. The symptoms of periodontitis are the same as gingivitis. However, periodontitis creates deep pockets between your teeth and gum line. As bacteria and debris fill in the pockets, it may cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. Bacteria from plaque releases toxins, irritating the gums. The body reacts to the toxins with chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the tissue and bones surrounding the teeth to degrade.
The gums will move away from the teeth, leaving pockets that can become infected. Left untreated, periodontitis can cause even deeper decay in the gums, tissue, and teeth. The most common forms of periodontitis include:
Cleaning the plaque and tartar from the gums greatly increases dental health and decrease chance of disease. Regular cleanings can counteract inflammation already in play.
This is a deep dental cleaning that requires anesthetic. Once under sedation, a dental health professional will go underneath the gum line to scrape away any residue. This process is known as scaling. The root is also planed, or smoothed over, from any damage. This allows the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Any infected areas in the periodontal tissue are removed under this procedure. You are placed under local anesthetic for this surgery. When the affected gum tissue is clean, the tissue is put back into place. The root can also be smoothed over for the gums to attach.
If periodontal disease has affected your mouth, your jaw may need strengthening. A strategic bone graft fortifies the area and gives stability to the tissue and teeth. The formerly infected area is encouraged to regrow new and fresh tissue.
When any bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed, a periodontist can fix it with regeneration. By inserting a small piece of gum-like fabric, the gum and bone are encouraged to grow together. The gums stay where they should and the tissue grows anew.
Luckily, gum disease can be cured by proper dental medicine and oral health. Below are some steps you should always take to ensure prevention of or the solution to gum disease:
