The word “periodontal” literally means around the tooth. Periodontal disease, also known as “gum disease” is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone that support your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

More importantly, research links periodontal infection to more serious problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke (see “Dental and Medical Consequences”). As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is linked to these and other health problems, good oral health is essential As you can see, good periodontal health is a key component of a healthy body.

How Does An "Ongoing Infection" Work?

When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that got all red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin. The area then became infected and became inflamed. It may have lasted for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation went away. The inflammation disappeared when your immune system conquered the bacteria and the infection healed.

With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection grows. The infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle, and without treatment, it will get worse.

What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Dental plaque
3. Smoking
4. Genetic factors
5. Stress or tension
6. Diet
7. Age
8. Illness

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
6. Bad breath
7. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
8. Any change in the fit of partial dentures
9. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
10. Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.

Periodontists also provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening and bone regeneration (see Procedures Section ).