Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, effects the gum tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. Bacteria gets below the gum line and creates an inflammatory response that causes swollen or puffy gum tissue, bleeding, and redness. If periodontal disease progresses the bacteria can destroy gum tissue and bone causing tissue recession, spaces, loosening teeth, and even tooth loss.*
Gingivitis is the least severe form of periodontal disease. This can usually be reversed with proper home care and regular cleanings by a hygienist. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis.*
Periodontitis is caused by an accumulation of plaque below the gum line that created pockets in the gum tissue around your teeth. These pockets introduce bacteria to the gum and bone below where your toothbrush can reach causing the more severe destruction of the bone support of your teeth. There are several types of periodontitis that can be treated in a number of ways, both non-surgically and surgically depending on the extent of the disease.*
Risk factors for periodontitis include:
- Poor oral health habits (not brushing, flossing, or having professional cleanings)
- Age (patients over 65 are most likely to have periodontal disease)
- Medications
- Using tobacco
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition or obesity
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Stress
While periodontal disease can be hard to detect in its earliest stages, the indicators for gingivitis include red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums. The good news is no matter what stage of periodontal disease you may have, Dr. Brian Karshen can formulate a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
Contact our office to schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Karshen today.
*For more information about periodontal disease, visit the American Academy of Periodontology.