Periodontal disease  is a serious bacterial infection that attacks the tissue around the teeth and the bone that supports the teeth. The primary cause of this disease is bacterial plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that is composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. Plaque that remains  on your teeth will collect at the gum line (where the teeth and gum meet) and the bacteria will produce harmful enzymes and toxins that cause the breakdown of the tissue surrounding your teeth. This causes a pocket to form.  A pocket is a deepening of the tooth's sulcus due to the loss of gum (recession) and bone. The deeper the pocket the harder it is to remove all the bacterial plaque when you brush, creating a situation that will worsen without professional intervention.

Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to heart disease. Researchers have proven that periodontal disease contributes to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, leading to clot formation and heart attack. Inflammation becomes a problem when it is chronic. It can damage artery walls, making them more prone to fatty buildup, increasing the risk of heart attack.

Periodontal disease is not curable. It is an continuous battle in your mouth that must be maintained through proper oral homecare and routine visits to your hygienist and dentist. You don't have to lose healthy teeth to gum disease and a trip to your dentist might save your life.

Last modified: 05/03/04