What is Periodontal Disease or Gum And Bone Disease?
Periodontal disease in an infection that destroys the gum and bone surrounding your teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) is bacterial plaque. This bacteria, if left untreated on your teeth, causes damage to your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontal disease is an interaction with your immune system and this plaque which can lead to premature tooth loss. There is a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease.
Signs And Symptoms
The only definitive way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. Pain is not a good indicator of periodontal disease. If you have any of the following symptoms, it maybe a sign that you have periodontal disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily while brushing and flossing
- Gums that bleed during a professional cleaning
- Persistent bad breath
- A receding gum line or “getting longer in the tooth”
- Loose teeth or teeth that develop spaces between them
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Mouth sores or irritation that does not heal within two weeks
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pain is NOT a symptom of bone loss