Periodontal Disease

Inflammatory and sometimes infectious damage to the gums. Periodontal disease causes gum tissue to recede from the TEETH, which allows teeth to loosen. It also exposes the less protected area of the tooth to BACTERIA that cause tooth decay, resulting in DENTAL CARIES (cavities) and potential INFECTION such as ABSCESS of the root canal. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Dental care providers estimate that up to 60 percent of American adults have some degree of periodontal disease.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include

• painless bleeding, especially when brushing the teeth
• swollen, shiny, or red gums
• gaps between the gums and the teeth
• loose teeth
• HALITOSIS (bad breath) that does not improve with brushing or mouthwash

Dentists provide diagnosis and treatment for periodontal disease. Appropriate ORAL HYGIENE can prevent most periodontal disease; identifying periodontal disease early allows opportunity for therapeutic interventions to thwart permanent damage. Some health experts believe there are connections between the body’s inflammatory response, periodontal disease, and other health conditions such as ATHEROSCLEROSIS and CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD).