Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection to the teeth, gum and bone that surrounds the teeth. Because it is rarely painful, especially in the early stages, periodontal disease is hard to detect. Some of the symptoms connected with periodontal disease are:

•  Bleeding gum
•  Persistence bad breath
•  Swollen and tender gums
•  Shrinking gums
•  Loose teeth

The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque, or the sticky film of food and bacteria that constantly form on teeth. Bacteria produces toxin, and it's these toxins combined with the body's reaction to them that destroys the bone around the teeth. If plaque isn't removed everyday, it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar. Brushing or flossing at home won't even budge tartar from your teeth. You must have professional help to remove tartar. When plaque and calculus are allowed to collect at the base of the tooth enamel, periodontal disease is likely to result. Damage done by periodontitis is not reversible. Treatment includes elimination of bacteria with extensive cleaning and sometimes surgery is needed especially in more advance cases.

Periodontal disease is especially likely to begin in areas between the teeth, so it is crucial to clean these areas completely. Thorough daily brushing and flossing will help prevent gum disease. Another way to reduce the probability of periodontal disease is to reduce the food supply to the bacteria that form plaque. The most important part of that supply is sugar. Reducing sugar in your diet will help you to avoid tooth decay and periodontal disease. Sweets to avoid include hard candies that stay in the mouth of a long time. Sweets that stick to the mouth and sweets that are eaten often, such as sugar-sweetened drinks. The concentration of sugar is low in fresh fruit and pure fruit juice making them good substitutes for the more harmful sugary treats.