Preventative and Gum Treatments

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by PLAQUE, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque is most harmful when these bacteria form into colonies, which takes about 24 hours. If not removed daily, plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products in the mouth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, tender, and swollen. It causes the gums to bleed easily. If not removed, plaque hardens to form calculus (tarter) around the necks of teeth.

Eventually, the irritants in plaque destroy the tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth. The gums pull away from the teeth and small pockets form between the teeth and gums. These pockets become filled with more plaque. Eventually, the jawbone supporting the teeth is destroyed.

Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless, progressive disease. Most adults with gum disease are unaware that they have it. If diagnosed early, however, the teeth can be saved.

What Are the Signs?
•Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
•Red, swollen, or tender gums.
•Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth.
•Pus between your teeth and gums when you press your gums with your finger.
•Teeth that seem loose or that change position; often the front teeth tend to "fan" out.
•A change in your bite.
•A change in the way your partial dentures fit.
•Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.