• Periodontal Care
• Periodontal Disease
• Preventing Gum Disease
• Oral Hygiene
• Oral Pathology

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons, which irritate the gums.  They may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Not all periodontal diseases present with bleeding, redness and swelling and regular evaluation by periodontal probing is the only way to rule out these diseases.  Pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease making their detection more difficult. Periodontal disease damages the teeth, gum and jawbone of more than 80% of Americans by age 45.

 

Patient Info | Meet Us | Periodontal Disease | Surgical Procedures | Non-Surgical | Online Forms | Site Map | Home
Dental Web Design and Dentalimplantsonline by PBHS
Copyright © 2005