What are Periodontal Diseases?

Periodontal means "around the tooth". Periodontal diseases are gum and bone infections caused by the bacteria (germs) in your mouth. These infections destroy the foundation, the gum and bone around your teeth, and are some of the most common infections in the United States. In fact, more than 75% of American adults over the age of 50 have some form of periodontal disease.

Despite the number of people infected with periodontal diseases, many don’t believe they have them. In a recent survey, 8 out of 10 American believed they didn’t have periodontal disease, ever though 7 out of 10 had one or more symptoms.

Periodontal diseases are painless until it is almost too late to save teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bad breath and swollen bleeding gums and eventually tooth loss. In fact periodontal diseases are the major reason for adult tooth loss.

Despite all of these facts, periodontal diseases are also some of the most preventable diseases. Please feel free to talk to Dr. Packman regarding the cause, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Plaque

The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Daily home care, including proper tooth brushing and flossing, is essential to prevent plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into a substance called calculus (also known as tartar) in less than two days. Calculus is so hard it can only be removed through professional tooth cleaning.

Poisons released by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums causing infection which can spread into the bone. This infection can also enter the blood stream and affect your general health. When the infection reaches the bone it causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque and infection. As the disease progresses, the bone around the teeth is destroyed and the teeth eventually become loose. If the periodontal disease is not treated, teeth may have to be removed.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease and is completely reversible with professional treatment and good daily home care. Gingivitis causes the gums to bleed easily and become red and swollen.

Mild Periodintitis

If the gingivitis is left untreated, the infection spreads from the gums to the bone. This process begins to destroy the bone that supports the teeth.

Note how the red, puffy gums have resolved following an improvement in the patients daily homecare and a "deep cleaning".

Moderate to Severe Periodiodontitis

As the infection progresses, more bone and tissue is destroyed. The most severe form of the diseases includes extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth often become loose and may drift from their original position.

The good news is that none of this need happen to you. Periodontal diseases are preventable and treatable. Dr. Packman would welcome the opportunity to carefully evaluate your individual situation and discuss treatment options.