Periodontal disease is the correct name for gum disease.  It affects many people in the UK and I deal with many claims for gum disease.  Because many teeth can be lost to gum disease and may need to be replaced, claims can often be valued in excess of £100,000.

Plaque is the name given to the clear film of bacteria which is always present in everybody's mouth.  Plaque causes dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease). 

The bacteria in our mouths stick to the surface of our teeth and quickly mulitiply to form layers of plaque.  Plaque is a soft, clear substance which is very difficult to see until it gets quite thick.  Plaque generally builds up around the bottom of each tooth next tooth the gumline. No amount of brushing alone will get rid of all of your plaque but daily flossing, brushing and using a mouthwash will help.  Remember that the bristles on your toothbrush may not reach some places between your teeth. 

Tartar is formed when minerals such as calcium in your saliva combine with plaque making it very hard.  Hard plaque is called Calculus.  Calculus is so hard that it can only usually be removed by your dentist or hygenist. 

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the tissues whcih 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). 

Each tooth has a root which is embedded into the jawbone and anchored by many tiny fibres.  Periodontal (gum) disease can be painless and can sometimes go unnoticed.  Most people will however notice factors such as red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, bad taste, bad breath or even loose (mobile) teeth. 

Periodontal disease is a common disease.  Many teeth have to be treated for periodontal disease and it affects many people. Periodontal disease starts by 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. The good news is that periodontal disease can be halted by good oral hygiene and regular trips to your dentist and hygenist for cleaning.  Your dentist can offer advice on brushing and oral hygiene to help prevent gum disease from occuring or bringing the periodontal disease under control.  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. Contact me for further advice.