It's a gum disease that includes gingivitis as well as periodontitis. Periodontal disease is an advanced bacterial infection affecting both the gums and the bone which support your teeth. Left untreated, it often leads to tooth loss.

2. What causes periodontal disease?

While there are several, the primary cause of periodontal disease is the bacterial plaque build-up on your teeth. Still more causes include:

-- people genetically predisposed to gum disease (approx 30%)

-- times of hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, menstruation

-- stress, which limits the body's ability to fight off infections

-- certain drugs and medications which can affect your overall health

-- smoking is another factor negatively affecting the health of your gums

-- pressure on supporting tissues from grinding or clenching your teeth

-- diabetes, a condition which carries more risk for developing infections

-- poor nutrition makes it harder for the immune system to fight off infection

3. What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Since periodontal disease attacks below the gum line, you probably won't experience any noticeable symptoms at first. With gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease, the gums redden, become swollen & sensitive, plus they bleed easily when brushed. Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis where more serious symptoms manifest with:

-- toxic bacteria producing bad breath

-- progressive and destructive infection

-- degeneration of supportive tissues and bone -

-- gums receding from teeth forming deep pockets around them

-- loosening and/or shifting of the teeth

-- eventual extraction and tooth loss

4. How can I prevent gum disease?

If you're a smoker, quit immediately. There are numerous studies concluding that smoking substantially increases your risks of gum disease and subsequent tooth loss. The next best preventative measure to avoid gum disease would be daily brushing and flossing to remove the build-up of plague or tartar, a sticky, colorless film which forms on your teeth. Personal daily cleaning will help minimize the danger, however, keep in mind that only regular visits to your dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination two times a year will prevent gum disease before it begins.

5. What does periodontal treatment involve and are the treatments painful?

Our periodontal treatments are administered in a clean, sanitary environment by a competent periodontist. We take great pride in using the most modern equipment, sterilization techniques and periodontal procedures. As with any dental procedure, there is some degree of discomfort. However, with the use of anesthetics, most patients feel little, if any pain.