What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is a common gum infection caused by bacteria in dental plaque. It can make your gums red, swollen, and bleed easily.
If untreated, it can damage the bone that holds your teeth, causing them to loosen or even fall out. Anyone can get periodontal disease, especially if they have poor oral hygiene.
There are mild, moderate, and severe forms of the disease, and treatments—both surgical and nonsurgical—can help keep your gums healthy and protect your teeth.
Periodontal disease can be classified into different stages
How Periodontitis is Diagnosed
At your dental checkup, our team carefully evaluates your oral health to detect periodontitis early. The process typically includes:
Reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking.
Examining your gums for signs of inflammation or infection.
Taking dental X-rays to assess bone loss around your teeth.
Measuring the depth of gum pockets with a periodontal probe to determine the extent of damage.
Early detection allows for more effective treatment and helps protect your teeth and gums for the long term.