Periodontal diseases, also known as gum disease.

The word “periodontal” literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Daily home oral care, including proper brushing and flossing, is necessary to prevent plaque build-up.

What Other Factors Might Contribute to Periodontal Diseases ?

Smoking / Tobacco use

Pregnancy and Puberty

Stress

Medications

Diabetes

poor Nutrition

Signs of Periodontol Diseases

Bleeding gums during brushing

Red, swollen or tender gums

Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Persistent bad breath

Pus between the teeth and gums (leaving a bad taste)

Loose or separating teeth

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

A change in the fit of partial dentures

Most people don’t experience pain with periodontal diseases. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation.

Treatment for Periodontal diseases

Depending on how far the diseases have progressed, treatment can vary widely. If caught in the early stages, simple procedures are done that will remove the plaque and calculus from below the gumline

If these diseases have advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, further treatment might be necessary.