Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Healthy gums and bone secure your teeth, keeping them firmly in the proper location. As such, they are the foundation upon which strong, durable teeth can thrive and function optimally.

Your gums protect the roots of your teeth from harmful bacteria that can damage and eventually destroy them. If they are not kept healthy through routine hygiene and dental visits, a chronic bacterial infection called periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease) can develop.

Some of the most common causes of periodontal disease are:

• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Tobacco Use
• Chronic Stress
• Pregnancy and Menopause
• Genetic Predisposition
• Certain Medications
• Poor Nutrition
• Specific Medical Conditions

If left untreated, a gradual progression can begin that adversely affects the gums and bone that support your teeth, resulting in lost teeth. The first stage is called gingivitis. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate your gums, making them swollen, inflamed and sore.

Thankfully, Drs. Hakimi, Vasanthan and Townsend can treat your gum disease and greatly reduce the bacteria that catalyze it. If you haven't checked the health of your gums lately, we encourage you to call our office for a consultation.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

The second stage of periodontal disease is a more severe condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when resident plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As these elements accumulate within your mouth, your gums begin to recede from your teeth. Diseased pockets can form where your gums and teeth meet, filling with bacteria and pus. At this point, your gums become severely inflamed and bleed easily - a serious precursor signaling loss of bone support and potential tooth loss!

How can you tell if you are suffering from periodontal disease? Check for the following symptoms:

• Gums that bleed when flossed or brushed
• Red, swollen or aching gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• The appearance of pus
• Ill-fitting dentures
• A shifting bite

Even periodontitis is not beyond help. As periodontal specialists with decades of combined experience, Roseville periodontal specialists Hakimi, Vasanthan and Townsend can quickly diagnose the presence of periodontal disease and don't allow harmful bacteria to live in your mouth! To keep all of your teeth healthy, happy and functioning well, call our Roseville dentists.