Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
Los Angeles
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease and many patients suffer from it in some form. It represents an infection which affects the tissues that sustain and surround the teeth. It is generally not painful, therefore patients may not aware they suffer from it.
Periodontal disease types
The mildest type of periodontal disease is gingivitis. It makes the gums red, easily bleeding and swollen. Generally, there is no pain when a patient suffers from this illness. Gingivitis is treated professionally and with a good oral home hygiene.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis. In time, plaque may grow and spread under the gum line. The toxins which are produced by the plaque bacteria irritate the gums.
These toxins cause a chronic inflammatory symptom in which the body turns on itself and the bones and tissues which support the teeth are damaged. The gums separate themselves from the teeth, creating areas between the teeth and the gum which develop infections.
As periodontitis develops, these areas become deeper, causing more damage to the gum tissue and the bones. At the end, the teeth could grow loose and they might have to be extracted.
The most common types of periodontitis may include:
- Chronic periodontitis: It is estimated that in the U.S., chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 years of age;
- Aggressive periodontitis;
- Necrotizing periodontal disease.
Most common causes of the periodontitis disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of periodontitis include:
- Plaque that forms on the teeth: This may happen when starches and sugars from food meet the bacteria that is normally located in the oral cavity. A good oral hygiene eliminates the plaque, however, it can re-form rapidly;
- Tartar (calculus): If the plaque remains on the teeth, it can develop into tartar under the gumline. It is more difficult to eliminate and it is full of bacteria. Professional dental cleaning is needed in order to remove tartar.
If you suspect you suffer from a periodontal disease, do not wait any longer – contact us now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Campbell.
