Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease and Pyorrhea, is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. Untreated Periodontitis results in the progressive loss of the Alveolar Bone around the teeth, which will lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of your teeth.

Periodontitis is caused by unnerved food and debris and microorganisms that adhere to and grow on the tooth’s surfaces, along with an aggressive immune response against these microorganisms. A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the gum tissues around the teeth with a probe and by evaluating the patient’s X-ray films, to determine the amount of bone loss.

What Causes Periodontal Infections?

Our mouths are the entryway to many things, including lots of bad bacteria. When combined with normal oral proteins and other particles that come through the mouth, bacteria turn into plaque on the tooth surfaces.

Left untreated, plaque hardens and turns into dense tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing alone. If not professionally removed by a Registered Dental Hygienist, tooth plaque and tartar will lead to gingivitis, which is a mild form of the disease.

Tartar and bacteria that are not removed properly may result in periodontitis (an advanced stage requiring periodontal disease treatment). As bacteria spreads, it causes the gums and bone to pull away from the teeth, allowing the infection to invade the surrounding bone and internally the blood stream. Numerous studies have implicated this invasion as a complication for other systemic diseases (Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Breast Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer to name a few).

Common Warning Signs May Include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Bleeding after brushing or flossing
• Generalized tooth temperature or touch sensitivity
• Pain when chewing
• Sores or pus-filled bumps in the mouth

We are taught from a very young age about the importance of brushing your teeth every day. Still, nearly half of adults in the country need periodontal therapy to help alleviate the resulting damage of not taking care of our mouths properly.

East Coast Centre is fully committed to providing convenient, effective treatment options using innovative technological solutions. If you have any of these symptoms, call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chickey.