What is periodontal disease? If your hands bleed when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss. In a 1999 study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that half of Americans over 30 had bleeding gums. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that something is wrong. Most likely, your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection could spread and destroy the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth could become so loose that they have to be extracted. "Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. In the earliest stage of periodontal disease? Gingivitis? The infection affects the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved.

For many years scientists have been trying to figure out what causes periodontal disease. It is now well accepted that various types of bacteria contained within dental plaque are the major villains. Researchers also are learning more about how an infection in your gums can affect your overall health.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of other health problems. This is a new and exciting area of research, but it remains controversial. Studies have produced varying answers about the extent of the connection between gum disease and other medical problems and more research is needed.

Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and stroke. Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries.

Diabetes

People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.

Premature births

A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight. One study showed that up to 18 percent of premature, low-birth-weight babies might be linked to maternal gum disease.

Heart disease

Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease, although the extent of this connection is unclear. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.

Respiratory disease

Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs.

What Causes Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused mainly by bacteria contained within dental plaque, the sticky substance that normally forms on your teeth. Interestingly, it is your body's response to the bacterial infection that causes most of the problems. In an effort to eliminate the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that cause inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease), and loosening of the teeth, a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of disease.

Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly (about once every six months) can prevent periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing, when done correctly, help remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist will keep plaque under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush or floss to reach.

If oral hygiene slips or dental visits become irregular, plaque builds up on the teeth and eventually spreads below the gumline. There, the bacteria are protected because your toothbrush can't reach them. Good flossing may help dislodge the plaque; but if it is not removed, the bacteria will continue to multiply, causing a more serious infection. The buildup of plaque below the gumline leads to inflammation of the gums. As the gum tissues become more swollen, they detach from the tooth forming a space, or "pocket," between the tooth and gums. In a snowball effect, the pockets encourage further plaque accumulation since plaque removal becomes more difficult. If left untreated, the inflammatory response to the plaque bacteria may spread to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to destruction of these structures.

Another problem is that if plaque is allowed to build up on teeth, over time it becomes calcified, or hardened, and turns into calculus (commonly called tartar). Since calculus is rougher than tooth enamel or cementum, even more plaque attaches to it, continuing this downward spiral. And don't think tartar-control toothpaste will protect you. Although it may help slow accumulation of calculus on the teeth, it can't do anything for tartar that has already formed below the gumline.

Understanding Adult Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is serious infection and gums and other tissue surrounding teeth millions of Americans have periodontal disease left untreated, intending to involve loss the welcome news that periodontal treatment can make your mouth healthier and help you keep your teeth.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Know the symptoms of periodontal disease or subtle the disease is not entirely without warning signs. If any of the following applies to you; please contact your dentist immediately.

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Persistence Bad breath or bad taste.
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums.
• Loose or shifting teeth.
• Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite.

Periodontal disease may progress.

You may have periodontal disease without noticing any symptoms. There are three main stages: Gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Early detection and treatment can help keep periodontal disease from progressing.

Gingivitis

Bacteria and plaque have caused the gums to become inflamed and to bleed easily. Plaque gets in the space between the gum and tooth, causing “pockets”. Good home care and professional cleaning are usually enough to restore healthy gums.

Periodontitis

High levels of bacteria initiate a release of tissue destroying enzymes. These enzymes start a process which results in deeper pockets and bone loss. Treatment is aimed at stopping further damage and reversing the progression of the disease.

Advanced periodontitis

Bacteria and enzymes have caused gum and bone to degrade further. At this stage, tooth loss is possible, and is critical to avoid this outcome.