Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease begins, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress

Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over 35 lose more teeth from gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is with daily tooth brushing and flossing.

Periodontal Disease Overview

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, this may cause the gums to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is untreated, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this may lead to tooth loss.

Periodontics Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.

Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.

Note: Please rely on the information and instructions provided in the office at the time of the consent and instructions. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

Continue To Non- Surgical Treatment Page ->

Continue To Surgical Treatment Page ->

Take a Self-Evaluation Quiz

You may not realize that persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease -- a serious infection that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Jot down your answers to the following questions to find out if you have the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?
Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?
Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?
Have you noticed that your gums are receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before?
Do you have persistent bad breath?
Have you noticed pus between your teeth and gums?
Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. However, daily brushing and flossing removes plaque and helps prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).