Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) - Adult Hygiene

Periodontal disease is generally a reaction to the acidic by-products of bacteria that live in the plaque and calculus found on the tooth below the gum line. If all of the plaque is removed daily, calculus cannot form and periodontal disease is not possible.

The early stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, is a reversible inflammation. Getting the teeth clean will allow the inflammation to subside and the tissues return to health. There is no irreversible damage to the tissues in gingivitis.

Periodontitis is the stage beyond gingivitis where some damage to the soft and/or hard tissues has occurred. It may be mild to severe and may include treatment as simple as deep scaling and cleaning of the root surfaces to effect health In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Untreated gum disease will eventually result in the loss of the affected teeth. Until gum disease is severe, it is usually painless and you may not know there is a problem. Because it is painless in it's earlier stages, the only way to diagnose it is through an oral examination of the gums.