Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

If you have been told you have periodontal disease, you are not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to possible health effects of periodontal diseases that go beyond your mouth.

Periodontitis

In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that are infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads.. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

What causes periodontal disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get red of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing does not clean. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar..

Risk Factors
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes in girls/women
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Medications (some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can effect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva.
Illnesses. AIDS, cancer)
• Genetic susceptibility