Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that gradually destroys the support of your natural teeth.

Bacteria found in dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause the gums to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.

As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness, and swelling do not have to be present. Pain is also usually not associated with periodontal disease.

Published in the the Australian Dental Journal June 2020, some three in every 10 Australian adults had moderate to severe periodontitis.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/adj.12765),