Periodontal Disease (also known as "Periodontal Infection", "Gum Disease" or "Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone that supports your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to Periodontal Infection.

How An "Ongoing Infection" Works

When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that got all red and swollen? That was because bacteria got under your skin and caused an infection. It might have lasted for days or weeks. Finally your immune system won the battle against the bad bacteria and the infection healed.

With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection keeps growing. Periodontal Disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle and, without treatment, it will get worse.

What Causes a "Burst" of Infection Activity

People with Periodontal Disease have low resistance to gum bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene.
2. Dental Plaque.
3. Smoking.
4. Genetic Factors.
5. Stress or Tension.
6. Diet.
7. Age.
8. Illness

Why You Should See a Periodontist Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend that you see a periodontist. If you are referred to a periodontist, it is important that you schedule an appointment right away.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Usually Periodontal Infection is painless until it reaches a very advanced stage. The following are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of Periodontal Infection.

These include:

1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush)
3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Bad breath
6. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
7. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
8. Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

Your General Dentist is trained to detect and treat the early stages of Periodontal Disease. A Periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Periodontal Disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as; crown lengthening and dental implants (see Procedures Section). Periodontics is one of eigth specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.