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What Is Periodontal Disease?
The periodontium is made up of gum (gingiva), root surface (cementum),
connective tissue attachments, and bone. When healthy, the gingiva is pale pink,
firm, and immobile, with a smooth or stippled texture. The gingival tissue between
abutting teeth is shaped like a pyramid ending in a peak. Even in healthy mouths,
the crevice (sulcus) between the gum and the tooth is teeming with bacteria,
but they tend to be harmless varieties. The crest of the supporting bone, which can
be viewed on x-rays, is normally two millimeters below the point where the crown
of the tooth meets the root (the cementoenamel junction).
Some symptoms of Periodontal disease are:
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Bad taste in mouth |
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Bad breath |
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Red or swollen gums |
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Tender gums |
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Bleeding gums |
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Loose teeth |
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Sensitive teeth |
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Pain when chewing |
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Pus around teeth and gums |
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Calculus (brown, hard deposits) on tooth surface |
Periodontal disease refers to a group of problems that arise in
the gum sulcus, usually because of an increase in quantity and change in the type
of bacteria. These diseases are generally divided into two groups: gingivitis, which
causes lesions, or wounds, that affect the gums; and periodontitis, which damages
the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. MORE >
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Check-ups are important
A simple check-up takes only minutes, but can alert you to potential problems that
can mean long surgeries in the future. |
