Periodontal Diseases
Gingivitis and Periodontal diseases are caused by the build-up of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on the teeth when they are not brushed adequately. Plaque gives bacteria a place to attach and grow. The bacteria can cause harmful toxins. If these toxins are not removed from the teeth it will irritate and inflame the gums. When this plaque is not removed it also begins to harden and attach to the tooth. This is called tartar, or calculus. This can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. This process is different from a regular cleaning and check-up since it requires the hygienist to remove the hardened tartar and clean down below the gum surface. This process is referred to as scaling and root-planing.
If left untreated, this disease process will cause the inflamed gum tissue to pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets around the teeth. As these pockets deteriorate the surrounding gum tissue and bone are damaged and lost. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed.
Keeping your gums healthy is vital to the overall health of your body. Research suggests that periodontal diseases may be related to other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. For more information on this topic please visit www.ada.org.