What is Periodontal Disease?

Often referred to as “gum disease” or “periodontitis”, periodontal disease is a common type of oral infection that affects the gum and bone tissues responsible for supporting your teeth. 
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The name periodontal refers to “around” (perio-) the “tooth” (-dont). That is, the infection isn’t inside of the tooth itself, but rather encircles it by causing the damage to bone and gingival (gum) tissues immediately adjacent to it. 

Cause and Progression of Gum Disease

Periodontal infections typically start out as common, everyday gingivitis. Inadequate oral hygiene habits are particularly to blame. As dental plaque accumulates along the gumlines, your gum tissues respond to the bacteria by becoming inflamed or bleeding. 
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Left untreated, this infection can gradually creep under the gum tissues into the “sulcus” area, causing the gingiva to detach from the tooth and thereby creating a deeper periodontal pocket. As the pocket deepens, the underlying bone structures also start to deteriorate (a process dentist’s call “resorption.”)
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Unfortunately, bone structures cannot be regrown. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of infection and eventual tooth loss. 

Gum Disease Statistics

In the United States, periodontal disease accounts for the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Unfortunately, it rarely gets the same amount of attention as conditions like tooth decay or abscessed teeth. 

• Almost half of adults 30 years of age or older have some form of gum disease
• Periodontal infections become more pronounced as we age
• 70% of seniors have periodontal disease
• The infection is more common in men than women (56% vs. 38%)
• As many as 64% of smokers suffer from the condition

Stages of Periodontal Infections

Gingivitis — Gum disease may be completely asymptomatic in its beginning stages. Eventually symptoms of minor tenderness, bleeding, or swelling become evident along the edges of the gums. This stage of gum disease is completely reversible. 
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Moderate Periodontal/Gum Disease/Periodontitis — Dental plaque invade the “pocket” around the tooth, causing a deepening of the natural sulcus. The pocket may measure 4-5mm deep, indicating early stages of bone loss in those areas. 
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Severe Periodontal/Gum Disease/Advanced Periodontitis — As gum deterioration and bone loss become more severe, pockets start to become deeper (6mm or more). Tooth integrity is now compromised, leading to mobility or tooth loss. Aggressive areas of infection may no longer respond to conventional therapies.