Say NO to PERIO! - What is it? Causes and Risk Factors.

Periodontal disease (or gum disease or "perio" for short) is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. The two stages of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis: is mild gum disease that affects only the gums, the tissue that surrounds the teeth.
• Causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when the teeth are brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need
• Periodontis: is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
• Develops if gum disease gets worse. The gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where germs called bacteria can grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth. Gums can also shrink back from the teeth. This can make the teeth look longer. Teeth may become loose, fall out, or have to be pulled out by a dentist.

Great video to watch!

CAUSES

• The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don't do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO GET GUM DISEASE IF YOU...

• Do not clean your teeth well.
• Smoke or chew tobacco.
• Have someone in your family who has gum disease.
• Have a condition that makes it harder for your body to fight infection, such as:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS, or leukemia. 
  • A high level of stress.
  • A poor diet that’s low in nutrients.