Periodontal Diseases

The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. Cavities in the tooth affect only the tooth. Periodontal disease affects the bones around the tooth, gums, coverings of the roots of the teeth, and membrane of the tooth.

A dentist specializing in periodontal disease is called a periodontist.

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

The different types of periodontal disease are often classified by the stage the disease has advanced to at the time of evaluation, including:

Gingivitis

With gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, the gums are likely to become red, swollen, and tender, causing them to bleed easily during daily cleanings and flossing.

Gingivitis can be divided into four groups, including:

• acute: gingivitis that has sudden onset, does not last long and is painful
• subacute:- a less severe form of acute gingivitis
• recurrent: gingivitis that returns after treatment
• chronic: gingivitis that has slow onset, lasts a long time, and is usually painless

Treatment by your child's dentist and proper, consistent care at home help resolve the problems associated with gingivitis. If the gingivitis is not treated, it may lead to periodontitis.

Mild periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis leads to mild periodontitis. This stage of gum disease shows evidence of the bone around the tooth starting to erode. The following are the most common symptoms of periodontitis:

• red, bleeding gums
• bad taste in the mouth
• pockets around the bottom of the teeth in the gum line
• the teeth may become loose and spread apart (as the disease worsens)
• tooth loss

Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent further erosion and damage.

The importance of early diagnosis

If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue and the underlying bones around the teeth will dissolve and will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place.

• Chronic inflammation, resulting from a periodontal disease, is responsible for 70 percent of all adult tooth losses.
• It affects 75 percent of people at some point in their lives.

How periodontal disease affects children and adults

• About 66 percent of young adults have periodontal disease.
• About 50 percent of children have periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.