Broadway Dentistry
(260) 456-3406
(260) 456-3406
A Broadway Dentistry hygienist smiling as she talks with a patient in the chair before a cleaning in Fort Wayne

Periodontal Disease

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Patient education

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth, and it shows as red, swollen and bleeding gums.

How it starts

Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria and saliva. Left in place it hardens into calculus (tartar), and together they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Many people have periodontal disease and don’t know it, because it is usually painless in the early stages.

A patient talking with a team member in the chair during a dental exam visit at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne

Why it matters

Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss, and research suggests a possible link to stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking also raises your risk. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits help reduce it.

A smiling patient in the chair at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, which offers cosmetic dentistry and whitening
Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

Signs and symptoms

  • Bleeding gumsGums should never bleed, even when you brush hard or floss.
  • Loose teethCaused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (which hold the tooth to the bone).
  • New spacing between teethCaused by bone loss.
  • Persistent bad breathCaused by bacteria in the mouth.
  • Pus around the teeth and gumsA sign of infection.
  • Receding gumsLoss of gum around a tooth.
  • Red and puffy gumsGums should never be red or swollen.
  • Tenderness or discomfortPlaque, calculus and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

More on Gum Health

All Gum Health topics
A dentist pointing to a dental X-ray on a screen at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne

  1. About Periodontal Disease

    Periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth, and it is usually painless in its early stages.

  2. Causes of Periodontal Disease

    Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease and periodontitis, is a progressive disease which, if left untreated, may result in tooth loss.

  3. Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

    Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Learn the signs, from bleeding gums to loose teeth, so it is caught early.

  4. Types of Periodontal Disease

    From gingivitis to advanced periodontitis: the types of gum disease, how they progress, and how each one is treated.

  5. Periodontal Disease Diagnoses

    Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.

  6. Diagnosis

    Periodontal disease is diagnosed during a periodontal exam, which should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

New patients welcome

Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.

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