Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection and must be treated as such. It can take any one of several different forms. There might be recession of the gum tissues, which could result in sensitive teeth or an unsightly appearance. More commonly, there are "pockets" (bone loss) in the gum tissues that occur around and in between the teeth that could lead to tooth loss. These deep pockets are unhealthy because they: 1. Harbor disease causing bacteria and promote more bone loss; 2. Are a major contributor to bad breath (halitosis); 3. Are sources of bleeding while brushing and flossing; 4. Are almost impossible for you to clean. The gum tissues might be swollen and red which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. This contributes to foul odors and taste. On the other hand, advanced, serious periodontal disease can be almost unknown to the patient. Obvious signs and symptoms are not always present. Periodontal disease can be eliminated, or at least controlled, with the proper forms of therapy, and, if treated in its early stages. The degree of elimination depends upon how much of the supporting bone around the teeth has been lost, along with other factors. The age of the patient is a very important risk factor in designing the correct periodontal treatment. For example, a person with advanced bone loss who is in their twenties and thirties has a much more serious situation than a similarly diseased person who is fifty, sixty, or older. This is why an early diagnosis and beginning early treatment is of the utmost importance. Smoking and diabetes are major risk factors that usually go hand-in-glove with advanced periodontal disease. Diabetes must be diagnosed and properly controlled before periodontal therapy can be successful. There is emerging evidence that the presence of untreated periodontal disease might be related to heart disease and some other systemic diseases. As previously mentioned, there can be several signs and symptoms, which could indicate that you have periodontal disease, such as: 1. Spaces forming between your front teeth or food impaction between teeth. 2. Your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable. 3. You have chronic headaches. 4. Some teeth have become very sensitive or sore to your bite. 5. There are bleeding gums either while you clean your teeth or while you chew. 6. You suspect that some teeth are loose. 7. You have that uncomfortable feeling of BAD BREATH. 8. You clench and grind your teeth. 9. You have been told previously that you might have periodontal disease. 10. You have lost some teeth, including wisdom teeth. Back to top