How Periodontal Disease Begins

Periodontitis comes from plaque (the sticky, colorless film that forms daily on teeth). More precisely, it is driven by the bacteria within the plaque. Gingivitis is the first step in the disease. The gums redden, swell and bleed easily, and it is normally due to inadequate oral care. It is, however, completely reversible with proper, dental treatment and improved self care (including daily flossing and brushing 2-3 times per day). Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. As the disease progresses, the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gum, and then begin to eat away at both soft tissue and bone. When this happens, gaps (or pockets as they

are called) form between the gums and teeth. These pockets continue to collect bacteria and eat away at the gum and bone beneath it. A vicious cycle of infection and destruction continues until there is not enough bone and gum tissue to hold the tooth in place. At that point, tooth loss can occur. What may be most disturbing is that the symptoms of advanced periodontal disease are can be very mild, amounting to no more than mild discomfort. Before the patient is aware of the severity of the problem, he or she may have irreversible gum and bone damage, and tooth loss.

 

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