What is periodontal (gum) disease?

The term periodontitis, otherwise known as periodontal disease, literally means "inflammation of the tissue surrounding teeth."  That description is exactly what this disease entails. Through various means, your gums and underlying bone surrounding your teeth become inflamed (swollen, red, irritated). Usually, this inflammation results from bacteria in the form of a sticky dental plaque infecting the spaces between your gums and teeth. This infection begins as "gingivitis " or inflammation of the gums alone, but if this bacteria is allowed to stay attached to your teeth it will eventually infect the bone lying underneath your gums and cause that bone to literally dissolve away. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include swollen, red, puffy, and sometimes painful gums. Loose teeth can also be a symptom due to less bone being present holding your teeth in place. Often, though, periodontitis has no symptoms and is a "silent " disease. It's important to note that once you have lost bone around your teeth, it does not grow back. For that reason it is very important to prevent periodontitis BEFORE it begins. Doing that simply involves brushing your teeth correctly twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Also, dental visits twice a year or more will allow your dentist to catch any signs of periodontal disease before it does irreversible damage. If signs of periodontal disease do exist, your dentist has the knowledge and tools available to eliminate it. Deep cleanings in those spaces between your gums and teeth will often eliminate the infection. Sometimes, antibiotics or lasers can also be used in those spaces to cleanse them of the offending plaque.