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Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis,  is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the
gums and bone supporting the teeth.  Periodontal means ‘around the tooth’.

It can affect one tooth or many and can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
  

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque  cause the gums to
become inflamed. Plaque is the sticky colourless film that forms on teeth.

Gingivitis causes the gums to become  red, swollen and will often bleed upon brushing.  

It is usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with a good oral hygiene routine and
professional treatment.

Periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, in which the infection spreads below the gum line  into the
bone.

Toxins produced by the bacteria drive an inflammatory response causing the bone and surrounding tissues to be
broken down and destroyed.

The gum separates from the tooth forming a pocket, a space between the tooth and gum.

Your dentist checks for, and measures the depth of, these pockets during your routine examination.

As periodontitis progresses, the pockets deepen and the tissue and bone loss becomes more widespread.
Eventually, teeth become loose and may have to be taken out.

Treatment

Treatment can be non-surgical or surgical. Most periodontal disease is treated non-surgically by your dentist or
hygienist. This involves scaling and root planing, in which the tooth root is carefully cleaned to remove tartar build
up from deep periodontal pockets.

Most patients will require this treatment on a regular and continual basis.

If periodontal health is not achievable through non-surgical therapy alone, your dentist may refer you to a
periodontist to be treated surgically.