Periodontal disease is a chronic oral condition that damages the periodontal supporting tissues, including gums, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. Together with cavities, it is one of the two major oral diseases threatening human health.
 

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In the early stage, periodontal disease causes bleeding during brushing and bad breath. Advanced periodontal disease may lead to periodontal abscess, loose teeth and even tooth loss. Periodontal disease can also trigger multiple systemic illnesses, so early detection and treatment are essential.

1. Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is unpleasant for family, friends, colleagues and clients, and may cause embarrassment.
 

2. Bleeding Gums
Gum bleeding while brushing is a typical early sign of periodontal disease. Many people mistakenly attribute it to “excessive internal heat”.
 

3. Swollen Gums
Inflamed gums turn bright red, dark red or purplish red.
 

4. Exposed Roots, Loose Teeth & Weak Chewing
It impairs appearance and occlusal function and may eventually lead to tooth loss.

 

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Bacteria from periodontitis can enter the bloodstream through periodontal tissues and cause the following systemic diseases. These systemic illnesses, in turn, accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.

   

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Dental plaque, a biofilm formed by bacteria and food debris, is the culprit for both periodontal disease and cavities. Toxins secreted by plaque bacteria continuously destroy the supporting tissues around teeth, such as gums, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone.

Dental plaque is white or pale yellow and often goes unnoticed. Plaque accumulates easily without daily cleaning via rinsing, brushing and flossing, and without regular professional dental cleanings. Systemic diseases also encourage plaque build-up.

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Many people use incorrect brushing techniques and fail to clean teeth thoroughly, allowing plaque to accumulate long-term. Numerous studies confirm smoking is a common risk factor for periodontal disease.
 
2. Local Dental Risk Factors
Local conditions including abnormal tooth development, misaligned teeth, food impaction, defective restorations and fixed orthodontic appliances make self-cleaning harder and plaque harder to remove.
Systemic illness, weakened immunity, hormonal fluctuations and some medicines can induce or aggravate periodontal disease.

Systemic diseases: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis
Immune disorders: leukemia, AIDS
Hormonal changes: pregnancy or menopause-related hormone shifts
Medications: drugs leading to dry mouth or gum alterations
 

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Mild periodontitis can be treated with minimally invasive therapy such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and calculus above and below the gumline. Severe periodontitis may require periodontal surgery. Such treatments relieve symptoms including swollen gums, gum bleeding and pus discharge from periodontal pockets.