How periodontal disease develops
The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. You must remove all of the plaque that accumulates on your teeth and gums each day, or it builds up and forms a hard, yellowish substance called tartar. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in tartar. These bacteria produce toxins, which, combined with your body's reaction to them, destroys the bone around your teeth.
Some of the warning signs of periodontal disease are:
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing
- Soft, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums shrinking away from the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the spaces between your teeth
You can also have periodontal disease and experience none of these warning signs. Since you may have periodontal disease, yet have none of the symptoms, we perform a thorough examination using x-rays and a periodontal probe to measure bone levels around the teeth.