Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. The bacteria inside of dental plaque that causes an inflammatory response by your body is the primary cause of gum disease in patients. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that cause inflammation and irritate the gums. This causes the gums 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 disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness, and swelling do not have to be present. Further, pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease. This disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbone of more than 80 percent of Italians by age 45. Presently, 50% of the population has some form of gum disease.