Only in the past 20 years have we been able to truly understand the cause of periodontal disease. Prior to that time, it was thought to be a mechanical problem caused by the irritation induced by concretions known as calulus, or tartar, below the gum line.

The father of modern-day periodontics, Dr. Paul Keyes, had been arguing 40 or 50 years ago that the true cause of peridontal disease, which we know and accept in modern-day periodontal therapy, is due to the effects of microorganisms.

Types of Microorganisms

These are special microorganisms that can live below the gum line, and unlike those that live above the gum line, they are anaerobic, which means they are living without oxygen.

Along with that, these microorganisms are also modal bacteria. Modal bacteria have methods of locomotion to move themselves through the oral fluids and tissues which make them much more invasive than non-modal bacteria.

These anaerobic bacteria, of which there are several, organize themselves cooperatively to form structures below the gum line that enhance their survival – at the expense of their host. Eventually they produce layer upon layer of calculus or tartar as the bottom layers of the bacteria die, having trapped organic and inorganic particles in the meshwork that they manufacture.

As Seen on an X-Ray

Those lower layers become petrified or calcified and hardened and build up until there is a visible mass that can even be seen on x-rays.

This calculus acts as the housing also of the further attack of these bacteria and their growth. To understand it better, it acts very much the way the animals that make coral will develop their own housing in a coral reef. The calculus is very rough and that, of course, contributes to the inflammation.

Periodontal disease is treated by the removal of the bacterial population and their by-products, and then the maintenance of good oral hygiene to prevent the re-buildup of the bacterial population is key. See your dentist or periodontist if you feel you may have a problem. Or else you can suffer gum disease, which can lead to receding gums and eventually tooth and even bone loss.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.