What Is Periodontal Disease?

In this video, Dr. Chris Powell explains periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to bone loss if left untreated.

People often wonder what periodontal disease is. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you might be experiencing periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis. This condition is essentially an infection of the gums caused by bacteria that accumulate under the gum line, often due to infrequent or inadequate dental cleanings. Over time, this can lead to bone loss around the teeth.

To illustrate, imagine you’re removing a spoonful of dirt from around your mailbox every day. In the short term, this might not seem significant, but over time, the mailbox will eventually become unstable and fall over. Similarly, periodontal disease gradually erodes the bone supporting your teeth.

Fortunately, periodontal disease can often be managed and even reversed with proper treatment. If you suspect you might have this condition or if you’re noticing signs of gum disease, I encourage you to come in for a free consultation. We can evaluate your gum health and discuss potential treatments to restore your gums’ health and prevent further damage.