What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums and the bones that support the teeth become infected and inflamed. This can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected. If left untreated, the disease can progress and lead to tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can be prevented through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
There are two main forms of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of the disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums, which can cause them to bleed easily when brushed or flossed. At this stage, the disease is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of the disease and occurs when the inflammation and infection have spread to the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. At this stage, the gums may begin to recede, the teeth may become loose, and there may be bone loss. In advanced cases, the disease can lead to tooth loss.
It's important to note that Periodontal disease is often painless in the early stages, so it's important to see a dentist regularly to detect and treat it early.
More information on periodontal disease
Some signs of periodontal disease can include:
Bleeding: Red, swollen, or easily bleeding gums when you brush or floss are a common sign of gum disease.
Bad breath: Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can be a sign of an infection in the gums.
Receding gums: As the disease progresses, the gums may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and making them appear longer.
Loose or shifting teeth: As the supporting bone and ligaments are destroyed, the teeth may become loose or shift out of place.
It's important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all, and only a dental professional can diagnose the disease. It's important to maintain regular dental checkups and professional cleaning to prevent and detect periodontal disease.
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