Periodontal
(gum) disease is insidious. It is an infection of the gums that
starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to
form tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria that attack
the soft tissue around the gums. This is the early stage of gum
disease known as Gingivitis. Left untreated, Gingivitis becomes
Periodontitis which ultimately destroys the tissue surrounding your
teeth AND the bone that holds your teeth in place. Except for bad
breath and gums that bleed, there are very few early warning
signals. The disease advances silently, often without pain, and
before you know it, you are losing your teeth and you don't know
why.
Tooth loss is only the most obvious indicator of gum disease.
Scientific research has discovered linkage between gum disease and
stroke, heart disease, diabetes - even an increased risk for
pregnant women. When your gums become diseased, your entire immune
system is weakened.
In the past, fear of painful dental surgery has kept people with
gum disease from seeking the care they needed. Well, those days are
gone forever.
