Periodontal disease is the infection of the tissues that encompass and hold the teeth in place. It is a very common condition, since most people after the age of 35 are suffering from some type of this disease. It progresses in various stages, starting from gingivitis and, if not treated early, it reaches progressed periodontitis.
Is a serious disease that may even result in tooth loss. It must be treated timely, but there is
no need for extreme concern. Even if you present symptoms of periodontal disease, such as
swollen gums that may bleed, sensitive or loose teeth etc., most often we can suspend its
progression whether in early or even in progressed stage with various treatments. These may
include anything from teeth cleaning to surgical treatment.
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless
film of bacteria that constantly builds on the tooth”s surface, between the teeth, and along the gum line. If we comply with the oral hygiene rules and daily brush our teeth, the plaque is removed. But if not removed, plaque eventually hardens into calculus, which is hard-
structured and cannot be removed by simple brushing.
Calculus may be formed on the visible part of the tooth, or under the gum line. At gingivitis
stage, the gum inflammation is relatively limited and does not affect the bone. However, when
bacteria and calculus infiltrate the gum line, pockets are created between the gums and teeth,
where bacteria are continuously accumulating and multiplying. It is hard to clean this area, as
the toothbrush cannot reach it. Eventually, the induced inflammation affects the periodontal
tissues, the tooth gradually dislodges from the gum; the space between gum and tooth starts
to deepen; and the bone destruction begins.
Factors which encourage periodontal disease progression, apart from poor oral hygiene, are smoking, stress, heredity, certain medication taking, diabetes mellitus etc. The inflammation that accompanies periodontal disease, according to recent studies, has been related to
systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders etc.