What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as “gum disease,” is a common diagnosis that encompasses a number of various symptoms and problems within the mouth. Periodontal disease has a wide range of symptoms, including everything from minor gum inflammation to bleeding and swollen gums. In severe cases, it can lead to the loss of teeth, causing permanent, irreversible damage to your gums and teeth.

There are two main stages of periodontal disease. First is gingivitis, which is where the gums are swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is typically caused from bad oral hygiene, which is why it is so important to take care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing. At this stage of periodontal disease, it is still reversible, so getting a good cleaning and care from your dentist, along with following up with proper oral home care, will help take care of the gingivitis and keep it from progressing.

When gingivitis is not treated, it will progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe periodontal disease that is caused by plaque and bacteria growth between the gums and tooth. The gums are broken down and separate from the teeth, in which these pockets of space are then infected. This can lead to the bone and tissue being destroyed, leaving teeth prone to falling out and/or having to be removed due to infection. This is not only bad for your oral health and hygiene, but it can be costly to fix with cosmetic dentistry and continued upkeep to keep the periodontal disease from progressing and affecting more teeth in your mouth.

The best ways to keep periodontal disease from happening is by following proper dental hygiene. Brushing after every meal (or at least twice a day, morning and night) as well as flossing properly at least once a day will help keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy.