A quiet infection with serious consequences
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums which gradually leads to the destruction of the support of your natural teeth. This disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria found in plaque produce enzymes and toxins which injure the gums. Injured gums turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this injury 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 (tartar), both above and below the gum line.
As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds the teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Pain is usually not present until damage from this disease is very advanced.
Causes of gum disease
Our mouths are full of bacteria from the foods we eat. This bacteria constantly builds up throughout the day and becomes the sticky, colorless substance on our teeth we call “plaque.”
If plaque is allowed to stay on the surface of your teeth for extended periods of time, it begins to harden into “tartar.” Removing plaque with daily brushing will help prevent tartar from forming. Tartar is much more difficult to remove and allows the bacteria within to eat away at the surrounding tooth and gum tissues.
As bacteria collect along the gumline, they cause the gums to become inflamed and red, a condition called “gingivitis.” Left untreated, it can advance to “periodontitis,” an inflammation around the tooth that affects the bony tooth-support. Gums pull away from the tooth and form pockets that become infected, and plaque and tartar spread below the gum line, breaking down bone and connective tissue. Untreated, this cycle typically progresses until the tooth needs to be removed. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings help keep plaque and tartar in check. To learn more, see preventing gum disease.
The stages of gum disease
The earlier gum disease is caught, the simpler and more conservative the treatment.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, which develops as toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts irritate the gums, making them tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily. Gingivitis generally can be stopped with proper oral hygiene and minor treatment. If this is achieved, your gums can return to a healthy state.
2. Periodontitis
Moderate gum disease begins when the tooth's bone tissue starts to deteriorate. Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. The gums detach from the teeth, forming pockets that collect more plaque below the gum line, and tooth roots become susceptible to decay. Patients often notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and touch.
3. Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis occurs when a major amount of gum and bone tissue has been lost, and the teeth lose more and more support as the periodontal ligament and bone deteriorate. Some teeth cannot be saved and must be extracted. Left untreated, advanced periodontitis can contribute to severe health problems elsewhere in the body.
Sensitive teeth? Don’t stop cleaning them
Suppress the urge to avoid cleaning teeth that are sensitive to cold. Teeth that have suffered damage from gum disease will always be more sensitive to cold. Avoiding them only makes it worse.
Any injury (a cavity, tooth clenching or grinding, gum infection) can irritate the nerves in a tooth, and sensitivity shouldn’t last long if the teeth are kept clean. If your teeth are especially sensitive, tell us; it can signal the need for treatment such as a gum tissue graft, or be managed with a desensitizing toothpaste or concentrated fluoride gel.
Treatment at every stage
From deep cleanings to advanced laser therapy, we match the treatment to the stage of your disease, always as conservatively as possible.