What is Periodontal disease?
If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. Many adults in the U.S. currently have some form of the disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day.
What causes gum disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning or in some cases gum surgery can remove the tarter build up deep within the gums.
What is “Gingivitis”?
Bacteria and bacterial toxins form plaque build-up on teeth. The accumulation of “plaque”, causing inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become swollen, red and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleaning. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
What is “Periodontitis”?
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth supporting structures). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Who is susceptible to gum disease?
Smokers, diabetics, patients with illnesses such as cancer and AIDS, genetics, medications that can reduce salivary flow, hormonal changes and most obvious, people that lack good oral hygiene are most susceptible. Keep in mind that people usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
What causes gum disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning or in some cases gum surgery can remove the tarter build up deep within the gums.
What is “Gingivitis”?
Bacteria and bacterial toxins form plaque build-up on teeth. The accumulation of “plaque”, causing inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become swollen, red and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleaning. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
What is “Periodontitis”?
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth supporting structures). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Who is susceptible to gum disease?
Smokers, diabetics, patients with illnesses such as cancer and AIDS, genetics, medications that can reduce salivary flow, hormonal changes and most obvious, people that lack good oral hygiene are most susceptible. Keep in mind that people usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Loose teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Painful chewing
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
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Powell Oral Surgery & Periodontics
10260 Sawmill Parkway Powell, OH 43065 Phone Number for our Powell Office (614) 766-7777 Fax Number (614) 766-7779 Reza Bolourian, M.D., D.D.S. our board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon provides oral surgery and dental implants. Jin Eslami, D.D.S., M.S. and Gazab Bhandal, B.D.S., M.S provide periodontics, dental implant placement, gum grafting, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum disease treatments. |
Serving Powell, Ohio and the following surrounding areas
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