What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of the adult population. Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth.

Types of Periodontal Diseases

There are many types of periodontal diseases, but two of the most common are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easy. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home. But if gingivitis is allowed to persist, it can progress to periodontitis, an irreversible, chronic infection in the pockets surrounding the teeth. The resulting inflammation can damage the attachment of the gums and bone, often resulting in tooth loss.

The Periodontal-Systemic Link

Tooth loss is not the only potential problem posed by periodontal diseases. Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal diseases and other health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between your tooth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Treatment of Periodontal Diseases

Treatment method depends on the type and severity of the disease.
The first non-surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and reduce pocket depths. This is sometimes referred to as "periodontal" or "deep cleaning" and often takes more than one visit

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and make teeth easier to keep clean.

Periodontal Maintenance

After treatment, more frequent hygiene appoints are necessary to maintain periodontal health. Good oral hygiene at home is also essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or from recurring.