What Is Gum/Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease in its basic form is simply a disease that attacks the jawbone and other tissues in and around your teeth.

In can be generalised (affecting the whole mouth) or localised (affecting just a number of teeth). Periodontal disease is known as the "silent disease" as client's often come to me saying that they were completely unaware that they had perio disease as they had no pain from it. Periodontal disease can develop from gingivitis, bleeding and swelling of the gums.

Perio disease is actually caused by the bacteria in your mouth.  These bacteria cause a build up of a sticky, colourless film (plaque) that coats the teeth.  The build up of such plaque can harden  (into tartar) and this can cause infection which in turn can destroy the small fibres and supporting bone that hold the teeth firmly in your mouth.  This can lead to wobbly/mobile teeth or in some cases tooth loss if left untreated.

There are different arguments to support different types of periodontal disease, from perio which takes years to develop, to aggressive periodontitis which comes on in days or weeks rather than months or years.

If you are worried that you may have periodontal disease, it is crucial that you see your dentist.  Your dentist can advise you on how to halt the onset of periodontal disease and advise you best on how to treat it.