Gum disease (periodontitis) is an infectious disease of the gums that causes destruction of the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If the infection is left untreated, teeth loosen to the point where they may even fall out.
After the age of 35, at least three out of every four adults develops gum disease in varying degrees. The primary cause of gum disease is an adhesive colorless layer called plaque, which accumulates constantly on the surface of the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens and turns into scale or tartar (calculus).
Gum disease is caused when bacteria in the plaque secrete acid toxins that cause infection and destruction of the gum tissues that zips around the tooth. It further dissolves the bone support required for the teeth. When this occurs the gums separate from the tooth, creating a "gingival pocket" (a pocket in the gum). In time, more plaque and calculus accumulate in the gingival pocket, thus causing further destruction of the gum and a deepening of the pocket.
Please note that gum disease may sometimes be present without pain. Regular check-ups in a dental clinic are of the utmost importance.
The first step in the treatment of gum disease is to have calculus cleaned professionally by a periodontist, dentist.
The aim of scaling is to remove the buildup of plaque and calculus from the surface of the teeth and smooth the roots to encourage healing of the pocket area.
Recently a growing number of dentists and hygienists have been adding a supplementary step in treatment with the chemical removal (killing) of bacteria in the pocket.
To this end the PerioChip was invented.
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