What is Periodontitis?
When your immune system overreacts to bacterial toxins, periodontitis can occur.
Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. It is inflammation around the teeth that occurs as a result of untreated gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease that can precede periodontitis. As plaque builds up, it reaches below the gum line and the bacteria within the plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums. The body’s immune system overreacts to these toxins and turns on itself, destroying the tissue and bones that support the teeth. In fact, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis occurs as a result of untreated gingivitis.
Causes of periodontitis include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- AIDS
- Cancer
- Genetics
Gum Disease Treatment
If you are showing early signs of gum disease, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to stop it from getting worse. The first step is to visit your dentist—they can identify gum disease and advise you on the best way to treat it. There are a number of different gum disease treatments available, and your dentist can help explain which one could be right for you.
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