Home | About The Doctor | Meet The Staff | Services | Practice Information & Policies | Articles | Contact

An Article On Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. It is a chronic disease of gums that is caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria cause the inflammation of gums, which in turn affects the bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Stages of the Progression of the Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis

Healthy gums are strong and pink. The bone supporting the teeth also remains healthy and then bacterial infection tends to take place at the gum line, leading to the inflammation of gums. Eventually, the gums turn red and there is a feeling of irritation. As the inflammation increases, gums become all the more red, appear puffy and bleed easily. Inadequate oral hygiene is the primary cause for gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated it can advance to periodontitis. When the plaque and inflammation lasts longer,plaque can spread and grow below the gum line.toxins are produced by the bacteria in the plaque which irritate the gum.toxins also stimulate a chronic inflammatory response wherein the body mechanism turns on itself, and the periodontal tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. it causes the pulling of gums, thereby leading to the formation of pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses these pockets deepen, become infected and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Reasons for Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque. However, sometimes other factors are also responsible for affecting the health of your gums.

• Smoking/Use of Tobacco

• Genetical factors

• Pregnancy & Puberty

• Stress

• Medications

• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

• Diabetic factors

• Poor Nutrition

• Other Systemic Diseases

The dentist must perform a special examination that measures the pockets (the space between tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe to discover early-stage gum disease. Other signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, gum swelling around teeth, bad breath, receding gums and loose teeth. It is important to detect and treat gum disease in its early stages to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement.

Dr. Vidya Reddy’s office offers a wide range of non surgical gum therapies helpful in periodontal diseases treatment. Treating gum disease is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. We also offer zoom teeth whitening, Tooth Implant, Veneers and other dental related services. We take it seriously, and so should you. Please call Vidya Reddy DMD at 978-369-3831 for a complete evaluation of your potential gum disease.

To find a dentist in Concord, Carlisle, Acton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Massachusetts, log onto our website www.vidyareddydmd.com.