Periodontal Disease
Periodontitis or periodontal disease is a bacterially induced progressive chronic gum infection that destroys bone and tissue that support teeth. It begins as a mild inflammation of the gums with little or no perceived symptoms. If left untreated, the disease will progress and bone destruction begins which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. According to the recent surveys by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States, affecting nearly 75% of adult Americans.
Periodontal disease usually begins as a mild inflammation (gingivitis) caused plaque and toxin releasing bacteria. With time, plaque and bacteria will further accumulate, spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed (periodontitis). The most important factor of this disease is that periodontist is PREVENTABLE and TREATABLE!
Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are pink and firm and don't bleed at all during brushing and flossing.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gums will appear red and puffy around the teeth. They may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
Mild Periodontitis
The infection has moved under the gum line and inflammation has spread to the structures supporting the teeth, the bone. The gums bleed more easily and begin to separate from the teeth.
Moderate Periodontitis
Gums may recede as supporting fibers and bone continue to be destroyed. Teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold. Some teeth may be slightly loose.
Severe Periodontitis
Significant amounts of supporting fibers and bone have been destroyed. Teeth may become extremely loose and may need to be removed. Gums may bleed spontaneously and/or pus may ooze from under the gum line.
Periodontal disease is usually painless and patients seldom experience obvious symptoms or discomfort. This is one of the reasons so many people have undiagnosed periodontitis.