One of the most common enemies for a lot of people around the globe is periodontitis.  This can be very disturbing to a person because it is a serious infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth which eventually causes tooth loss. Moreover, long term periodontitis can lead to even more serious problems, including higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.  Pregnant women who have this disease can affect the unborn child and are more likely to give birth to premature babies than are women with healthy gums.

There are a few signs and symptoms during the earlier stages of periodontal disease.  One may not be aware of the problem until the gums become soft and bleed slightly when brushing the teeth.  As it progress one may notice more serious changes including receding gums, new spaces developing between the teeth,  presence of pus in the teeth and gums, persistent breath odor or a bad taste in the mouth and loose teeth.

There are several types of periodontitis that existed. One may experience problems that are unique to a particular form of the disease like the chronic periodontitis that is characterized by progressive loss of the bone and soft tissues that surround and support the teeth.  The damage caused by this disease usually develops more slowly than it does in aggressive periodontitis.

Periodontitis begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky film that forms on the teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in the mouth. Although it can be removed every time you brush your teeth, it re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.  Once it stays on the teeth longer than two or three days, it can harden into tartar, a white substance that makes plaque more difficult to remove and that acts as a reservoir for bacteria. Unfortunately, tartar can only be removed by professional cleaning.

Healthy gums are characterized to be firm and pale pink. If the gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, it is highly recommended to have it checked with your dentist or dental hygienist.  The sooner you seek dental care, the better chances of reversing the damage and preventing more serious problems. A lot of people with periodontitis can be successfully treated with non invasive therapies.  Some can even get scaling and root planning, sometimes in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. If one practices good oral hygiene at home, this may be the only treatment needed to fight such disease.