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The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common type is adult periodontitis, which can affect young adults in their early 20's. In general, the earlier periodontal disease is detected and treated, the better the long term outcome will be.

Is there a relationship between tobacco use and periodontal disease?
Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. Smokers are much more likely than non-smokers to have calculus form on their teeth, have deeper pockets between the teeth and gums and lose more of the bone and tissue that support the teeth.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush my teeth?
Bleeding gums are one of the signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If you hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something was wrong. There are also other signs of gum disease, such as swollen gums, gum recession, loose or shifting teeth and halitosis(bad breath).

What are pockets?
Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming "pockets" around your teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live in. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

Can I pass my periodontal disease to others?
Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples, according to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers suggest bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Based on this research, the American Academy of Periodontology recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.

What can I do to try and avoid periodontal disease?
To keep your teeth for a lifetime, you must remove the plaque from your teeth and gums every day with proper brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are also important. Daily cleaning will help keep calculus formation to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. A professional cleaning at least twice a year(four times a year if you have periodontal disease) is necessary to remove calculus from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.

What can I expect the first time I visit Dr. Sachs?
During your first visit, Dr. Sachs will review your complete medical and dental history with you. It's extremely important for him to know if you are taking any medications or are being treated for any condition that can affect your periodontal care. You will be given a complete oral and periodontal exam. Dr. Sachs will examine your gums, check to see if there is any gum line recession, assess how your teeth fit together when you bite and and check your teeth to see if any are loose. He will also take a small measuring instrument and place it between your teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps him assess the health of your gums. Radographs (x-rays) may be used to show the bone levels between your teeth to check for possible bone loss