What is Periodontal Disease?

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the bone, gum tissue and ligaments around the teeth due to accumulation of oral bacteria on the teeth. Bacteria attach to tooth surfaces around and below the gumline forming plaque or biofilm. If plaque is not removed, it can cause an immune response that is called inflammation. This is presented in the mouth as bleeding, redness and swelling in the gumline. This stage of disease is called gingivitis. 

 

If this inflammation is not resolved it can lead to damages in the supporting structures around the tooth, the gum tissue, ligaments and bone. This stage of disease is called periodontitis. Advanced stages of periodontitis can lead to mobility in teeth, eventual loss of teeth and damage in the bone adjacent to the lost tooth. 

 

Prevention

Removing the plaque and bacteria is the most important preventative measure against periodontal disease. This can be done easily in a healthy individual by daily brushing and flossing. If plaque stays on the teeth long enough it can get hard. This is called calculus or tartar formation.Calculus is not easily removed with tooth brush and floss. A regular cleaning appointment with the dental hygienist can then remove calculus and tartar and control and prevent early stages of periodontal disease.    (use this for “gum disease and tooth loss prevention” too.) 

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