Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and periodontal ligament (attachment fibers that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw.) Periodontal disease is usually painless and silent until its advanced stages. 

If left untreated, symptoms can include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Red, swollen and tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite (occlusion)
• Loose teeth

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those without periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease also has been linked to other significant health problems, including: respiratory disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and premature and underweight births.

It is important to closely monitor periodontal disease at regular hygiene visits, which is why we may recommend that our patients with periodontal disease have more than two visits a year.