Periodontal Disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth. The gum pulls away from the tooth, and as the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that produce harmful toxins. If teeth are not cleaned well, the toxins can irritate and inflame the gums.
How do you know if you have periodontal disease?
It can be hard to know. You can have the disease without clear cut symptoms. Routine dental visits and very important for this reason. However, should you experience any of the following, it is wise to see your dentist.
- gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- bad breath that doesn’t go away
- pus between the teeth and gums
- loose or separating teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
How can I prevent it?
- Have a good oral hygiene routine
- Brush your teeth twice a day with flouride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and bits of food
- Eat a balanced diet for good general health and limit snacking
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if they would recommend you using an ADA-accepted germ-fighting mouthrinse
Periodontal Maintenance
Once your periodontal disease is brought under control with treatment, it is very important that you get perio maintenance care on a regular basis from your dental office. Cleaning your mouth daily at home is a must, but it is not enough to keep perio disease in check. Perio maintenance is deeper than a normal cleaning in the dental office.
-All information is from the American Dental Association.