What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease. This is when bacteria literally eat away the gum tissue and the bone from your teeth. When the gum tissue and the bone are eaten away, a ‘pocket’ is developed which then provides the bacteria a place to live and breed. The strange thing about periodontal disease is that it does not cause pain until it develops into a more serious form. In a more mature stage, pus oozes out of the gum tissue and the teeth become loose. This is a very slow insidious disease that doesn’t cause pain; hence it’s a bad one.

Recent studies show that not only does periodontal disease affect the gums, but can also have an impact on a person’s general health and well being. Known risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking and diabetes, and it has also been linked to heart disease and strokes. A person suffering from periodontal disease may notice gum inflammation, loss of periodontal ligaments, loss of supporting bone, and finally tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can be treated. An early warning sign for this disease is the inflammation and bleeding of the gums. This earliest form of the disease is known as ‘gingivitis.’ Gingivitis means an inflammation or swelling of the gums. They start by turning red and bleed easily when they are brushed, flossed or when the hygienist attempts to clean them. Gums can also become sore. Periodontal disease becomes an urgent concern when you have a ‘pocket’ of 4mm to 5mm or greater. At this stage, you will probably start noticing that your teeth look longer because the tooth’s root surface is exposed.

Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent this disease. Neglecting to brush and clean your teeth will lead to the formation of plaque and pus erupting around the gum tissue. Daily oral hygiene disrupts the growth of plaque and it is the best prevention method that must be practiced.

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