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Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the tissues which support the teeth and attach them to the jawbone. If inflammation
only affects the soft gum tissue, this is called gingivitis. Where inflammation reaches the jawbone area, this is called
periodontitits (from the latin : perio - meaning around and dontal- meaning teeth).
Most people will however notice factors such as red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, bad taste, bad breath or even
teeth becoming loose.
Periodontal disease is a common disease. Many teeth have to be treated for periodontal disease and it affects many people.
There are treatments available for periodontal disease. As you dentist or a periodontist for further information.
Periodontal disease starts with poor oral hygiene, if plaque is allowed to build up on the surfaces of the teeth, then toxins
produced by the bacteria infect the gums and cause inflammation. This is called gingivitis.
After a period of time, plaque that has been left to grow thicker may spread downward into the pocket between the tooth and
the gum. This is a slow process and can be completely painless. The bacteria cause distruction of the tooth and the surrounding
bone. As more bone is destroyed, the tooth begins to come loose or wobbly. Abcesses can occur which can be painful.
If advanced, your dentist may have to undertake treatments such as deep scaling, somtimes under the gumline to take away
any deposits of calculus that may have developed. As the tooth becomes cleaner, the inflammation will disappear and the gums
will tighten up around the tooth again.
Ask your dentist for further advice, or consult your hygenist or a periodontal specialist.
If you have suffered with periodontal disease which has been left undiagnosed or left untreated. You may have a dental claim.
The best advice is to act now.
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