Periodontal disease

Bleeding gums when you brush and/or floss your teeth is not normal.  It normally indicates that you have a more serious underlying problem such as periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bones that surrounds our teeth.  The cause is not seeking normal dental care and the accumulation of plaque that results from not having normal dental visits and cleanings.    Many people are unaware that they have periodontal disease.  It is almost always painless in the early stages and can go unnoticed for years.  

  (this plaque leads to Periodontitis)

(before dentist)                                                                                (after)

There are two stages of periodontal disease.  The first stage is gingivitis.  Gingivitis is an infection that is limited to the gums that surround the teeth.  Bleeding and swollen gums characterize it.  And may be accompanied by bad breath or Halitosis.  Gingivitis is easily treated by proper home care and regular visits to your dentists.   As the infection goes from the gums to the bone, stage two begins and the problem is now called Periodontitis.

In Periodontitis the infection begins to attack the bone and destroy the supporting bone of the teeth.   Once bone is lost around the teeth it will not grow back.   Periodontitis can be characterized by receding gums, increased spaces between teeth, loosening of teeth and increased discomfort in the gums.    Failure to treat your gums at this stage can lead to premature loss of your  teeth.

If you have any of   signs of periodontal disease:

ü      Bleeding or Swollen Gums

ü      Recession or your teeth are looking longer

ü      Exposed roots of your teeth

ü      Loose teeth

ü      Increased spaces between teeth

ü      Pain

ü      Halitosis

 Call your dentist immediately!!!!