Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, a chronic infection of the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease frequently starts as a mild condition called gingivitis. The signs 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.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in your mouth. Many types of bacteria, most of which are harmless, colonize the mouth. Those that are associated with periodontal disease, however, 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.
Once you have developed gingivitis, you will need to act quickly to keep it from developing into the more advanced periodontal disease. When quickly and properly treated, gingivitis is highly manageable and even reversible. Gum disease, though, can have serious repercussions on your dental health.
The signs of periodontal disease may be as subtle as those associated with gingivitis. Periodontal disease is often painless, but teeth may become sensitive as gums start to pull away from the teeth, leaving roots exposed. Pockets along the gumline allow additional bacteria growth, driving the infection even further into the oral cavity. When plaque and tartar start to build up beneath the gumline and the infection spreads, the jawbone can start 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 get weaker as well. Treatment may not be able to reverse existing damage from gum disease at this stage, but 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 suitable in some cases.
Untreated, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss and serious overall health conditions, including cardiovascular 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 extremely painful or bleed easily. Any signs of periodontal disease signify a thorough dental exam is in order.
At NOHO Dental Group, our North Hollywood periodontist offers different options for treating periodontal disease.