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WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common infections today. More than 75% of North Americans over 35 years of age have some form of periodontal disease. Although many are infected, few know they actually have the disease. In a recent study, 8 out of 10 people surveyed believed they did not have periodontal disease, 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
| Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are firm and pink. |
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| Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease. The gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. |
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| Mild Periodontitis
The gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets which fill with plaque. |
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| Moderate Periodontitis Deeper pockets form as more bone and tissue are lost. |
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| Severe Periodontitis
Teeth may become loose because a large amount of bone and tissue have been lost. |
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