Periodontitis

• The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.  Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.  Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. 

• If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. 

• Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

• Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

• Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. 

• Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. 

• Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.

• Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

periodontal disease.

​

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers .

• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria.

• Pus around the teeth and gums.

• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Red and puffy gums.

• Tenderness or Discomfort.

​

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

• Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

• Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums.  

• Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.

​