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Periodontal (Gums)
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious
infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word
periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a
chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the
bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your
teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
 In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed
easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by
inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment
and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread
and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate
the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response. The tissues and bone that support the teeth are
broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces
between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the
pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this
destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose
and may have to be removed.
Please schedule regular dental visits with us to help fight Periodontal
disease in Dallas.
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