When do you need to see a periodontist and what is periodontal disease?

Q:When do you need to see a periodontist and what is periodontal disease?

A:Periodontal disease begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the soft or gingival tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacterium embeds itself in the gum and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection. As the infection progresses, it starts to burrow deeper into the tissue causing inflammation or irritation between the teeth and gums. The response of the body is to destroy the infected tissue, which is why the gums appear to recede. The resulting pockets between the teeth deepen and if no treatment is sought, the tissue which makes up the jawbone also recedes causing unstable teeth and tooth loss.

Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years.
www.michaelmaksimdds.com