Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection cased by bacteria in plaque (a sticky film) that forms around the gumline and affects the tissues and the bone that support the teeth. The plaque bacteria embed in the tissues and release toxins that inflame the gums. If left untreated, the bacteria burrow deeper in the tissues below the gumline and the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. As the disease progresses, the inflammation caused by the bacteria leads to the destruction of the bone and gum tissues.  As the infected pockets become deeper harboring more bacteria, it results in further bone and tissue loss which leads to tooth loss. 

 

Periodontal disease is in fact the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated. Periodontal disease require immediate treatment by a periodontist to hault the progression and save the teeth.  The type of treatment and success of treatment depends on many factors including the type of periodontal disease, the stage and the extent of the tissue destruction, medical health status and medications, medical and periodontal risk factors, habits, and oral hygiene, to name a few.  Whether the disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your gums every day.

 

Warning signs of periodontal disease

The signs of periodontal disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. Since there may be little or no symptoms present, it is important to see your periodontist or dental professional regularly. The following symptoms may be present:

• Gums that bleed or are red, puffy, or swollen

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, receeding gums

• Changes in the way your teeth fit together or shifting of teeth

• Pus between your teeth and gums

• Constant bad taste in your mouth or bad breath

 

Types of Periodontal (gum) disease

There are many different types of periodontal disease and many ways in which they manifest themselves.

 

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form  of periodontal disease affecting the gum tissue causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It is reversible with professional cleaning and good oral home care.

 

• Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is the the most common form of periodontitis affecting the bone and gum tissues causing deep pockets, gum recession, and bone loss. Often the damage caused by the disease cannot be reversed but the progression of the disease may be haulted by different types of treatments. Treatments may range from scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), chemotherapeutic medications and mouth rinses to different types of periodontal surgery, or both. In the more advanced stages of the disease extraction(s) may be required.

 

• Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. The disease process is the same as for chronic periodontitis but the rate of the attachment tissue and bone loss is rapid and there is a familial aggregation. This form of periodontal disease is harder to hault and treat and more likely require a surgical intervention.

 

• Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases

This form of periodontitis often begins at a young age and is associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes.  This type of periodontitis is a symptom of a systemic condition or disease affecting the rest of the body. The disease can behave like chronic or aggresive periodontitis.  For long-term success, treatment of both periodontal disease and the systemic condition is required.

 

• Necrotizing periodontal disease

This form is an infection causing necrosis (death) of the gum tissues and the bone.  It is rare, it progresses rapidly, and is more common in individuals who have HIV or other serious medical condition, immunosuppresion, chronic stress, and malnutrition. Treatment includes scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic and antifungul medications, and prescription mouth rinses.