Gum / Periodontal Disease
Cause and Treatment of Gum Disease
Progression of Periodontal Disease
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
About Dr. Lynne Heckert
Dental Links

The prefix "peri" means "around"  and "dont" means "tooth."  Thus, periodontal disease is disease around the tooth.   Periodontal disease begins as an infection of the gum (gingivitis). As it develops, it starts to also affect the bone on which the tooth depends for support.  In end stages of the disease, with inflamed and sore gums, plus loss of the bone that holds the tooth in the jaw, the tooth becomes hopeless.  While many teeth are lost due to decay,  many more are lost due to periodontal disease.  Early periodontal problems do not cause pain and so many affected people  do not know they have it.  Early diagnosis is important. To learn more about this common problem,  read on...


Copyright© 2005-2010 Lynne Heckert, DDS, JD  All rights reserved.  No portion of this or any DentalSmarts.com site  may be used without express written permission.   
Dr. Lynne Heckert, a general practitioner, has practiced and taught dentistry for over 25 years. More about Dr. Lynne.

Disclaimer: Ads on Dental Smarts Sites (in the margins) are generated automatically and not chosen, reviewed or endorsed by me.

Please remember that information on these site is not all-inclusive and it may or may not apply to your situation and you need to call your own dentist.  A dentist needs to see the tooth, take and x-ray, etc. to diagnose and treat.   I cannot respond to email inquiries or phone calls.  Thanks for visiting!