Periodontal disease ranges from basic gum inflammation to serious gum disease that causes major damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, as well as tooth loss. Gum disease can be stopped, slowed or worsened by personal oral hygiene. Bleeding gums, bad breath and gum skin discoloration are early signs of gum disease.
The human mouth is full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, form sticky, colorless dental plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing remove plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden and form material called tartar. Brushing does not remove tartar. Only professional cleanings from a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
The longer plaque and tartar stay on teeth, the more harmful they become. Bacteria causes gum inflammation called gingivitis, where the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It can usually be reversed by daily brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. Mild gum disease does not cause loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Untreated gingivitis can quickly become periodontitis, or inflammation of the tissues around the tooth. When plaque forms, the immune system fights bacterial toxins. This mechanism doesn’t work properly in patients who suffer from periodontal disease. Therefore, gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets in which bacteria collect and cause infection. As the plaque spreads below the gum line, it breaks down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Left untreated, the bones, gums and tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed. These teeth eventually become loose and must be removed.
Learn more about periodontal disease treatment from Anna Munné, DDS. Call 713-795-4666 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. Our periodontal disease patients come to us from Harris County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County and Montgomery County, TX, including Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Houston, Bellaire, Missouri City, Pearland and neighboring areas.