*The information on this page is exerted from the chapter Periodontal Infection: The War In Your Mouth. For complete information and illustrations please see this chapter in The Periodontal Solution: Healthy Gums Naturally.

• The true cause of Periodontal Disease is microorganisms... germs, and conventional treatment often does nothing to address the problem!
  
  
• Research shows that Periodontal Disease develops when germs are introduced into the mouth. 1, 2 Therefore, Periodontal Disease is really Periodontal Infection (PI).
  
  
• The time to start treating the problem should be long before the destruction becomes visible. Whatever your stage of gum problems, the information available on this site and in the book is essential for your teeth, gums and an overall health.

Healthy gums are "stippled," resembling the look of an orange peel in texture. If your gums do not have this look, or are smooth and shiny, you may have a periodontal infection. However, healthy-looking gums do not necessarily mean you are bug-free.

Gum problems:
From the mildest to the most serious

Healthy Gums	Gingivitis	Early Periodontitis	Advanced Periodontitis

Gingivitis: gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. There is generally little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is usually reversible with professional treatment, coupled with an effective home-care program.

Early Periodontitis is the mildest form of periodontal infection. There is a slight loss of connective tissue attachment at this stage. The infection begins to destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth. There is a sensation that something feels wrong, but it is mild enough to ignore. At this stage brushing and flossing will no longer reach the base of the pockets, which are 3 – 5 mm.

Moderate Periodontitis represents significant bone loss with the teeth beginning to loosen. As bone is lost, more of the tooth is exposed. The ability to arrest the infection becomes more difficult.

Advanced Periodontitis has devastating bone loss with loosening teeth. If no immediate attention is given, there is a high probability that teeth will become very loose and eventually fall out. Controlling the infection is a major challenge.

Click the thumbnails for a larger view.

Refractory Periodontitis is a rapidly advancing infection that does not respond to typical therapy.

Generalized Juvenile Periodontitis is often considered a disease of young adults, although it can begin around puberty. It is characterized by marked inflammation and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus.

Plaque is a sticky, water-repellent coating or bio-film on the teeth and gums. It is composed of food debris and over 300 forms of bacteria, viruses and fungi and their waste products.

Calculus (tartar) is the hardened, porous buildup of mineral salts and dead bacteria.

Saliva is the mineral-rich fluid that keeps the teeth hard, lubricates the mouth, and provides digestive enzymes. But saliva also plays an important role in a healthy mouth. It impairs the growth of bacteria by washing them away, along with acidic bacterial waste products that can dissolve tooth structure. Dryness means that you do not have enough saliva, the mouth's natural protective fluid.

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