Introduction to Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease? So your dentist says you need to be a "perio" patient the next time you come in for a cleaning. You're probably wondering what that even means. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that over 75-80% of all adults have or will have gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can be divided into several different categories: Stage one is gingivitis, which is categorized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss, or dental instrument. Stages two, three, and four are initial, moderate, and advanced periodontal disease respectively. These stages are different from gingivitis because the infection gas destroyed the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss. The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually consisting of special cleanings and sometimes gum surgery. If you hav
