Periodontal (gum) disease is a common and challenging bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It can also contribute to strikingly dangerous conditions in the rest of the body. And sadly, periodontal disease can have serious consequences even before we have any idea our mouth has been invaded by its dangerous bacteria.
Bad breath and bleeding, swollen and/ or recessed gums can be some of the first signs of periodontal disease, but are usually not found until the middle to late stages of the disease. A professional examination is needed to detect this complex disease.
If periodontal disease is left untreated, bone loss, more serious gum abscesses (“gum boils”) may occur and teeth loosen. The loss of the teeth themselves can be the tragic outcome. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory and infectious disease that can contribute to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, brain abscesses, lunch abscesses, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and pregnancy complications.
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