The Fuss about Periodontal (Gum) Disease

What is Gum Disease ?

Gum disease is a serious bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gum Disease, or Periodontal disease, is a chronic infection and affects the gums and the bone that support the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the colorless, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or more teeth.

Gum disease is classified into two types:

1. Gingivitis
2. Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by long term effects of plaque deposits on your teeth.If we don’t remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar. Together, these two cause irritation and inflammation of the gums

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated then it turns into periodontitis where infection and inflammation spread to ligaments and bone. It is the primary cause of teeth loss in adults.

It is imperative to diagnose gum disease as early as possible to prevent loss of teeth.

How is Gum Disease Treated ?

It is imperative that you get treatment for this serious condition. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.

Treatment options may include regular prophies (cleanings), scaling and root planing. For more severe conditions, surgery may be needed.

Consult your dentist to prevent and treat this silent killer early in the game.

Link to Heart Disease

Research shows that in many instances periodontal disease is linked to heart conditions. In many instances people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (stroke) were found to have an oral infection.