What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tooth’s supporting structures, including the gums, roots, and pulp, which we treat at our office in Charleston offering cosmetic periodontics. Naturally, the mouth is home to bacteria, which thrive on any food debris they can find. Though non-threatening for the most part, these opportunistic organisms can cause a great deal of damage if given the chance. Over time, the acid from bacteria can inflame the surrounding tissue. When combined with food debris, this acid forms a hard, colorless material called plaque.
Plaque collects on the teeth, resulting in gum inflammation, referred to as gingivitis or gum disease. While it can cause sensitive gums to bleed, this disease is mildly uncomfortable and easily treatable. If left on the teeth for too long, however, gingivitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria greater access to the tissue beneath the gum line. Once these deeper tissues are infected, the disease advances into periodontitis. Although your immune system can fight against the bacteria, long-term damage could result in tooth loss or a reduction in jawbone density.