Periodontal Disease Dr. Georgaklis and the periodontal specialist on staff combine to treat even the most challenging periodontal cases. Warning signs of periodontal disease: Persistent bad breath. Bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing. Soft, swollen or tender gums. Loose teeth. Changes in the spaces between teeth, which may reflect changes in the underlying bone. Periodontal Disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Periodontal Disease goes untreated most of the time because it is rarely painful, especially in early stages. What causes periodontal disease? The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms on your teeth. When the plaque is not removed daily, it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar. If tartar is not removed, it begins to accumulate on the root surfaces of your teeth. The bacterium causing periodontal disease thrives on tartar, so it is important to prevent tartar. The bacterium produced begins to produce toxins, and these toxins combined with your body's response begin to destroy the bone around your teeth. Bone loss is generally irreversible and can lead to the loss of teeth. It is important to not allow tartar build up because there is no way for the average person to remove tartar as it is not removable by a toothbrush or dental floss. We have our own periodontal specialist in our office. Previous Page