Periodontal disease or periodontitis is an infection of any of the structures around the teeth like the gums, the periodontal ligament, the alveolar bone, and the cementum that covers a tooth’s roots. It is often caused by poor dental hygiene that allows plaque to accumulate on the teeth. Bacteria in the plaque eventually work their way under the gumline and cause inflammation.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease has three main stages. Gingivitis is the earliest stage that affects only the gums. The gums become inflamed and appear red and swollen. They are also tender and bleed when the patient brushes or flosses the teeth.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, the patient develops full-blown periodontitis as the bacteria start attacking the bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place. Pockets form under the gumline that trap food and other debris. As the gums recede, the patient’s teeth look longer.
The last stage is advanced periodontitis. By now, the bone and fibers supporting the teeth are severely damaged, and the teeth start to loosen and shift. The patient’s bite changes as their teeth no longer fit together normally.
Periodontal disease is insidious, for it often does not cause pain until the later stages. In 1999, scientists at the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 50 percent of Americans over 30 had gums that bled when they brushed or flossed their teeth – and that many of them assumed such bleeding was normal.
Other symptoms can include bad breath, a foul taste in the mouth, or pus around the gums and teeth.
How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Health?
Over the past few years, scientists have found links between this disease and other diseases, including dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Researchers are not yet sure of the exact mechanisms, but they hypothesize that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel to other organs and damage them. Similarly, the disease causes inflammation, and inflammation is a known cause of conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
To learn more about periodontal disease, schedule an appointment with us at Central Texas Orthodontics in Austin, TX. Contact our office today to book an evaluation and get started.
Excellent service and treatment!
by Lisa
Category: orthodontistWe have been seeing Dr. St. Loius at Central Texas Orthodontics for a couple kids now over several years. Everytime we walk in for an appointment, we are greeted warmly and promptly taken back. The office is easy to get to and always runs on time, we have never had to wait to be seen, which is remarkable for a medical/dental office! The payment options were also fair and easy to understand. And the follow up, even after those braces come off, has been stellar! Retainers get lost or chewed up sometimes (ugg!), but a quick text into the office and we were able to drop off the original molds and have new ones made very quickly. Everyone who works at this office truly cares, and you can tell they all enjoy where they work, which is really wonderful to see. I cannot speak highly enough of this office, the staff, the care, and ESPECIALLY the after care and protecting our investment.
Austin’s Best Orthodontics!
by Robin Petmecky
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff are exceptional! Their professional, friendly and caring manner stand out every time I have an appointment. They are always very positive during my visits and make me feel like I’m part of their family. I never have to wait to be seen and I’m usually out in a minimal amount of time. I had my last orthodontic visit recently and they invited me to stop in anytime, just to say hello. I highly recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone needing their services. They are truly the BEST!
FANTASTIC GROUP!
by Melissa Moore Yacono
Category: orthodontistI love this office and the lovely, happy, warm staff!! Every one of the staff is kind and friendly! The vibe of the office is uplifting, relaxing, and Austin-y. Love it. The plants make it pleasant. Everything is so clean! What a refreshing visit and thank you so much for the stellar customer service.
Simply the Best!
by Christine Laux
Category: orthodontistDr. B. and his team are fantastic: Everyone just truly cares! They are knowledgeable and super helpful, always happy to consult. I recommend CTO not only for children and teens, but for adults as well! My two teenage daughters got their braces and I got my Invisalign. Dr. B. took his time to go over all our treatment plans and make adjustments. The communication is seamless and very responsive. All team members are wonderful - my special shoutout goes to Beatrice and Christen though: Those two lovely ladies go above and beyond with everything they do! Thanks to y’alls fabulous care our teeth are all straight now!
Awesome Experience
by Norma Constancio
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff were wonderful! From their friendly staff, nice office environment and Dr. St. Louis always willing to answer my questions. I would 100% recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone.
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