What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gum tissue and bones that support the teeth. Left untreated, it can cause tooth and permanent bone loss. It is most often caused by poor oral hygiene—inadequate brushing and flossing. When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, it hardens into tartar. The overgrowth of plaque and tartar irritates the gums, leading to a mild gum infection called gingivitis.

When gingivitis is ignored, the inflamed gums pull away from the tooth surface, creating pockets in which food can become trapped, encouraging more bacterial growth and irritation. The pockets, in turn, provide more spaces in which tartar and plaque accumulate. Without treatment, tooth and bone loss follows. The bacteria involved in periodontitis are also implicated in worsening heart disease, leading to a general worsening of health, not just a crisis of oral health.

Periodontitis Symptoms

  • Red, irritated gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum recession (pulling away)
  • Bad breath
  • Oozing from the gums
  • Loose teeth

Periodontitis Treatment Options

  • Improved oral care routine
  • Scaling and cleaning
  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Antimicrobial rinses
  • Flap surgery
  • Bone grafts
  • Gum grafts

Common Questions About Periodontitis:

How CariFree is Different

CariFree products can help interrupt periodontitis symptoms a number of ways, preventing cavities from ever forming. The unique pH correcting formula of CariFree products helps make the oral environment unfavorable for acid-loving, caries causing bacteria. The high pH from the CariFree system also protects tooth enamel from having minerals dissolved away in acidic conditions. The products contain nano hydroxyapatite, which the teeth can use to repair missing minerals from the enamel, particularly in the high pH environment the products create. Xylitol, a natural, non-nutritive sweetener, has several dental benefits. It makes bacteria less able to stick together in a tough to remove biofilm. Caries-causing bacteria also eat the xylitol but cannot use it for energy or to reproduce. So, the bacteria starve to death while eating xylitol.