Periodontal (Gum) Disease | Yorktown Heights, New York

What is Periodontal Disease?

Click below for videos explaining periodontal disease:

Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place.

Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance.

Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red.

In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak; they also spoil your smile.

Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues:

• alveolar bone
• periodontal ligament
• cementum
• gingiva

While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line.

Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after brushing. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums.

Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets or spaces to form.

If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus or tartar. This can occur both above and below the gum line.

If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this alveolar bone can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria.

Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it.

It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dental visits to reduce the risks of this disease.

Click below to hear Dr. Dawn Bloore’s  explanation of periodontal disease: