The bacterial toxins cause a white blood cell response. This reaction is responsible for initiating the inflammatory process which slowly destroys the supporting tissues around the teeth, including the bone. Sometimes the body’s immune response reacts poorly to the toxins speeding up the bone loss.

Over time, these pockets become deeper providing a larger space for bacteria to thrive. These pockets are impossible to clean with flossing and brushing alone leading to bone loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will loosen and lead to extraction. You are likely to have periodontal disease during your lifetime. It can develop at any age. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent diseases of man. However, because it develops silently and painlessly in an open pocket, the majority of people do not even realize that they have it until looseness interferes with chewing.

The goal of periodontal treatment is to re-establish the seal of the gum back to the tooth thereby reducing the pocket depth, creation of a stable bite and the establishment of access for plaque removal by effective flossing and brushing. In order to maintain a healthy mouth, maintenance becomes primarily the patient’s responsibility and is the key to long term health and prevention of recurrent disease. Periodontal Maintenance appointments tend to be more thorough than traditional six month cleanings, can be more often, and will help protect the health of your teeth and gums.

The destruction caused by periodontal disease takes away a person’s ability to speak, eat and smile with comfort and confidence. The good news is that when caught early, many options are available to treat the disease and restore health. Ask your hygienist if you have pockets at your next cleaning.