The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth". Periodontal Disease (also known as "gum disease", "pyorrhea" or "periodontal infection") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. Recently one study stated the prevelance of periodontal disease has been under estimated. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to many serious medical problems; including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer (see the "The Consequences of Periodontal Disease" section). As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, oral health maintenance is essential. Periodontal health is a key component to a healthy body.

How Does An "Ongoing Infection" Work?

Healthy gums are pink and surround the gums showing no roots.

Have you ever gotten a sliver of wood caught under the skin of your hand? Because the wound is open to bacteria, the site may become infected and so appear red and inflamed.   In time, your immune system fights off the bacteria and your hand heals.

During an ongoing infection, however, your immune system is unable to conquer the bacteria on its own and the pain and redness continue to worsen.

Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth.   You cannot fight off the infection alone, but with periodontal therapy, we are able to remove debris and bacteria from the site, allowing the gum to heal as your hand did.

What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?

With the advancement of periodontal disease, the gums recede along with the bone underneath and expose the tooth roots.

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more bone support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Dental plaque
3. Smoking
4. Genetic factors
5. Stress or tension
6. Diet
7. Illness

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

The gums become red and swollen in later stages.

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), flossing or spontaneously.
3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
6. Bad breath, or a bad taste
7. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
8. Any change in the fit of partial dentures
9. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
10. Spaces between teeth enlarging

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please seek out a periodontal evaluation.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 2 to 3 additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of the 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Periodontists also provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening and bone regeneration (see the Procedures section for more information on these procedures).