Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (also known as "periodontal infection", "gum disease" or "pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone which support your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

People with Periodontal Disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which occurs in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors which can cause a "burst" of activity are:

Poor oral hygiene
Dental plaque
Smoking
Genetic factors
Stress or tension
Diet
Age
Illness

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist. There you can discuss treatment options to control the disease.

Usually periodontal infection is painless until it reaches more advanced stages. There are, however, some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

Red or swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
Bad breath
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Loose, separating or protruding teeth
Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

Your general dentist is trained to detect and treat the early stages of periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as; crown lengthening and dental implants (see the Procedures Section for more information). Periodontics is one of 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.