Periodontal Disease - The 411

Did you know: Your mouth is full of bacteria, germs, and food particles that remain long after you have eaten, paving the way for bad breath and a yellow, sticky film known as plaque.

And plaque is the #1 cause of dental decay, gingivitis, and the more serious, periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious conditions that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.

In the very worst of cases, teeth are lost.

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause

of periodontal disease. Pregnant women, people with diabetes, smokers, people being treated for cancer, and those with compromised immune systems are also vulnerable.

Plaque, bacteria, and tartar team up to cause gingivitis.

• Brushing and flossing regularly can help get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed can form tartar which a hygienist or dentist can only remove.
• The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harmful they become.
• Signs to look for are gums that bleed easily and are tender, swollen, and red.
• Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease that does not include any bone loss or tissue that holds the teeth in place.
• Gingivitis is easily treated and can usually be reversed with good dental habits.
• However, if gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, inflammation around the tooth.

Periodontitis causes gums to pull away from the teeth, which causes pockets to form at the gum line that may become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque grows. This natural response to infection breaks down the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated, tissue, gums, and bone are destroyed.

The earlier it is caught, the easier periodontal disease is to treat. Be on the lookout for:

• Bad breath (halitosis) or a chronic bad taste in your mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Recessed, bleeding, swollen, and red gums

Concerned you may have periodontal disease? Don’t wait.

Call StarWhite Dental for a consultation appointment today: 951-698-4426.