Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, or pyorrhea, should properly be referred to as periodontal disease; that is, a disease that affects those tissues surrounding the teeth.

Early signs of periodontal disease are first noticed in the gingival or "gum" tissues. If the disease allowed to progress, it may lead to recession of the gingival tissue, destruction of the underlying supporting bone, loosening of teeth, and eentually tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in the adult populvation.

- The beautiful smile of Jessica Alba -
(She is an American television and film actress who born in Pomona, California)

The surface of healthy gingival tissue should appear pink, knife edged, and stippled like an orange peel. Various shades of pink may be characteristics of healthy tissue depending on the patient's ethnic background and skin tones. Stippling, the orange-peel-like appearance, may also vary according to age and sex.

- the healthy gum -

There are five cardinal symptoms of early periodontal disease that show up in the gum tissue: redness, tendency to bleed easily, tenderness, sponginess, and very slight swelling. Any one of these symptoms or all may be present at one time.

- Gum disease -

- Gum disease -

If any of the above mentioned symptoms occur in your mouth, seek your dentist for the treatment of the periodontal disease. The sooner the diseased state is detected, the sooner it may be arrested.