Gum Disease - Periodontal Disease

How Dangerous is Gum Disease?

Periodontitis is a disease affecting gums and bone that support the teeth, and it results from inadequately brushing and flossing your teeth. The infected gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria and pus which give off a foul odor. It’s a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

The first stage is called "gingivitis" and is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population. The next several stages will destroy bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss and bad breath.

How is it cured?

The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually consisting of a special cleaning with anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery. Prevention and treatment is recommended, but the damage caused is irreversible.