Sugary food and drinks, and also medical conditions such as diabetes can also contribute to Periodontal disease.

1. 1. Gingivitis: This affects only the gums. It is a mild form of periodontal disease, and if properly treated may be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis.
   2. Periodontitis: This is a more destructive disease stage, in which bacteria penetrates into the deeper pockets of tissue where bone and membrane support your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems.
   3. Advance Periodontitis: During this stage the teeth will lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  You will also have moderate to severe bone loss at this stage.

1.  Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
2.  Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
3.  New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
4.  Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
5.  Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
6.  Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
7.  Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
8.  Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Periodontal disease is usually diagnosed by our dentist, Dr. Le during your dental cleaning and regular dental check-up.

If the Dentist will perform a full periodontal examination when the patients shows signs of perio disease. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Dr. Le will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility to make a diagnosis on the type of periodontal disease and treatment options.

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and not much damage has been done, Dr. Le will recommend one to two regular cleanings to remove the plaque and restore gum health.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

Dr. Le will prescribe medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush to help control infection and healing.

At these cleaning appointments, Dr. Le will carefully check pocket depths to ensure that they are staying healthy.  Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

Dr. Le recommends that you practice good oral hygiene and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control.

It is very important that you continue to brush and floss regularly to avoid buildup of plaque which can result in  a reinfection.