We Treat Periodontal Disease.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial gum infection that destroys the attachment fibers and bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in your plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming on your teeth. Another factor is how your body responds to this infection. There are some people who have a genetic predisposition, and are more susceptible to the bacteria. Other factors include and are not limited to: diabetes, smoking, poor homecare.When plaque is not thoroughly removed above and below the gumline on a daily basis it will thicken into a hard product called calculus (tartar). Calculus is so hard it can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If not removed, calculus can harbor the bacteria that cause Periodontal Disease. The toxins from the bacteria will cause a chronic infection that overwhelms the immune system. This can result in the body attacking itself, destroying the supporting structures of the teeth. As the disease progresses, the teeth will loosen enough to need to be extracted.
More recent research links periodontal disease to general health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and preterm low birthweight babies. We also know that if a new mother has periodontal disease, the bacteria can be transferred to their baby.
Please let us know if your have persistent bad breath, if your gums are swollen, tender, or if they bleed when you brush or floss. Gum disease can never be reversed, the bone will not grow back. However, if we diagnose gum disease early, we have a good chance of arresting the disease and stopping the destruction.
