Periodontal disease is an infection that leads to an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth and also destroys the supporting bone that holds your teeth firmly in place. It also has been linked to other diseases including problems with the heart, lungs, and the immune system. At Southern Dental in Houston, we are dedicated to detection and treatment of this serious problem.

Gum disease is a chronic inflammation of the gums that often progresses silently and unnoticed. Studies show that more than half of people over 18 have gum disease in at least the early stages, and more worryingly, after the age of 35, three out of four people are affected to some degree.

Southern Dental offers non-surgical gum treatment, such as scaling and root planing, which is sufficient for most patients. This treatment includes the careful cleaning of root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Often this treatment, when combined with good oral hygiene, allows gum tissue to heal and re-attach to the teeth.

Periodontal disease is also known as periodontitis or gum disease, and it refers to the inflammation of the soft tissues or gums surrounding the tooth. In extreme cases, it can also affect the jawbone if the infection is not treated on time.

A common sign or symptom of periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums due to a bacterial infection, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque accumulates and begins to irritate and produce inflammation in the gum tissues. If left untreated, the infection can progress and infect the jawbone and tissues surrounding the teeth not only ending with tooth loss but other complications if the infection gets to the bone.

Types of Periodontal Disease:

• Chronic periodontitis – occurs when the supporting tissues are inflamed causing deep pockets and the gums to recede and teeth to become looser. This is the most common type of periodontal disease.
• Aggressive periodontitis – this gum disease happens when gum attachment is lost rapidly and bone destruction is chronic.
• Necrotizing periodontitis – refers to the tissue death or necrosis of the bone, gum tissues and periodontal ligament usually because individuals are suffering from other health issues such as malnutrition, HIV and immunosuppression.
• Periodontitis caused by a systemic disease – when medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases can trigger the gum disease.