About Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

Why Should Everyone Know About Periodontal Disease? It is a very serious problem that affects all ages. Many people think of gum disease as an adult problem. Actually, 97% of school-aged children (childhood, teens and 20`s) experience gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. There are some studies that indicate that periodontal disease can begin as early as five years of age. Gum disease is a progressive condition that happens over time and not overnight. Fortunately, it is preventable and curable with the proper professional care. If it is left untreated over the course of many years, other more serious forms of periodontal disease can develop Gum disease advances when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned and the toxins start to invade the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth, forming a space or pocket.

Types of Periodontal Disease

  • GINGIVITIS: This is the mildest form of the diseases, and causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily. There is no bone loss in this stage and usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of gum disease in children. This disease is reversible with professional treatment and good home care
  • MILD PERIODONTITIS: When gingivitis is left untreated, this disease can progress to periodontitis. In this mild stage, there is early destruction of the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
  • MODERATE - ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS: In the moderate stages, there is more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of these diseases includes extensive bone and tissue loss, along with teeth that are loose and some that may need to be removed.
  • JUVENILE PERIODONTITIS: This is a form of periodontal disease, that usually affects teenagers. This disease destroys the gums and the underlying bone. There are some that believe this condition is inherited and others that believe it is caused by specific bacteria.
  • ACUTE NECROTIZING ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS: ("Trench Mouth") This is a bacterial infection that is very painful and is usually accompanied by gums that bleed and pull away from the teeth. This condition is aggravated by stress.
  • REFRACTORY PERIODONTITIS: This is a periodontal infection that tends to recur following active periodontal therapy in patients with good oral hygiene. These infections are a result of certain bacteria which have not been eliminated from the pockets. This can only be diagnosed with the aid of DNA probes and culturing to determine the presence of specific bacteria. Treatment will also require the use of antibiotics in this case.