Periodontal disease is the most common chronic bacterial infection in adults, and if not treated properly, it can spread rapidly throughout your entire foundation.
This sometimes silent infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow beneath the gums and create "pockets"-spaces or gaps in the gums around the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal bacteria can lead to bone and tooth loss that can threaten your foundation-and overall health.
The facts about periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a persistent bacterial infection that:
- Attacks the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place
- Can return and spread if left untreated
- May lead to surgery or tooth loss
- Affects 3 out of 4 American adults
Periodontal disease is diagnosed with a thorough periodontal exam. A small, blunt probe is used to measure the depth of the gum pockets around every tooth in the mouth. Measurements are taken at six sites on each tooth. This depth gives an objective gauge of the health of the gums. If the pockets bleed easily during probing this is noted as well. This bleeding is a sign of inflammation of the pocket.
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