  Overview
Periodontal disease is
an infection of the tissues that support
your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached
to the teeth as high as it may seem.
There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice
called a sulcus between the tooth and
gums. Periodontal diseases attack just
below the gum line in the sulcus, where
they cause the attachment of the tooth
and its supporting tissues to break down.
As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus
develops into a pocket: generally, the
more severe the disease, the greater
the depth of the pocket.
Periodontal diseases are classified according
to the severity of the disease. The two
major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a milder and reversible
form of periodontal disease that only
affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead
to more serious, destructive forms of
periodontal disease called periodontitis.
Some factors increase the risk of developing
periodontal disease:
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes
- Some types of medication such as
steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy
drugs,
cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers
and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Fillings that have become defective
- Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Several warning
signs that can signal
a problem:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the
teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or
separating
- Any change in the way your teeth
fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial
dentures
It
is possible to have periodontal disease
and have no warning signs. That
is one reason why regular dental checkups
and
periodontal examinations are very important.
Treatment methods depend upon the type
of disease and how far the condition
has progressed. Good oral hygiene at
home is essential to help keep periodontal
disease from becoming more serious or
recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to
periodontal disease. Brush, clean between
your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and
schedule regular dental visits for a
lifetime of healthy smiles.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Additional
Resources
ADA Dental Minute
For the Dental Patient
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Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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