Periodontal disease is caused by plaque that forms on teeth. Plaque will irritate gums, causing them to become red, tender, and swollen. If not removed, plaque hardens to form tartar. Over time, the tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth is destroyed and the gums pull away form the teeth. Small pockets form between the teeth and gums and fill with more plaque. Eventually, the jawbone supporting the teeth is destroyed.
Periodontal disease is usually painless so most adults are unaware they have it. But if you are diagnosed early, your teeth can be saved.
Other causes of periodontal disease are smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, improper use of dental floss and toothpicks, an unbalanced diet, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy and certain medications. Warning signs to look out for are gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, red, swollen or receding gums, pus between teeth, loose teeth, bad breath, and a change in your bite or the way your dentures fit.
The type of treatment required
depends on the stage of the disease. In the early stages your dentist
will recommend professional cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing.
When gum disease is more serious, your dentist may have to remove the
infected gum tissue. Surgery can sometimes involve reshaping the bone
around the tooth or removing a portion of the bone. In the most serious
cases, you may loose a tooth. Your dentist will advise you on the best
way to replace it.