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Warning Signs of Periodontal(gum) Disease
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Gums that bleed when the teeth are brushed
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Red, swollen or tender gums |
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Gums that have pulled away from the teeth |
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Pus at the gum line when the gums are pressed |
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Teeth that are loose or changing in position |
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Any change in bite |
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Any change in the fit of partial dentures |
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Constant bad breath or bad taste |
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(Patients can have gum disease and not exhibit these symptoms)
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| Bacteria are the primary cause of periodontal disease. Bacteria continually grow and form an invisible film on the teeth called plaque. Plaque that is not completely removed every day by brushing and flossing leads to a hard substance known as tartar (or calculus). |
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Periodontal Disease Comparison
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Normal, Healthy Gingiva:
Periodontal ligament and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.
Case Type I
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Gingivitis:
Plaque and its byproducts irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed and likely to bleed. Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).
Case Type II
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Periodontitis:
In time, as plaque and calculus build up along the gum line, bacterial plaque begin to breakdown the connection between the supporting soft tissues and the tooth. As the disease progresses, bacteria begin to attack the bone tissue as well.
Case Type III
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Advanced Periodontitis:
The gums can recede as more bone and the periodontal ligament are destroyed. Teeth–even without decay-may become loose.
Case Type III
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more info on the types of Periodontal disease
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more info on the effects of Periodontal disease
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