Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is an issue that is commonly faced by people around the world. If you have ever heard of anyone complaining about loose or sensitive teeth on a regular basis, high chances are that they have some form of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease illustration

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to Periodontitis (gum disease). With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.

As the disease progresses, the pockets surrounding the gums deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Periodontal disease has many causes including poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, puberty, genetics, medications, stress, poor eating habits and smoking.  Sign and symptoms can be; swollen and red gums, receding gum line, loss of bone around teeth, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, loose teeth, bleeding gums  and tender gums.

If a patient has signs of periodontal disease as indicated by bone loss around their teeth, Dr. Ardekani may recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing, commonly known as deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.