Gum disease; also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

Studies show that even mild gum disease has been linked to a number of other serious illnesses which affect a large percentage of the population- even healthy adults.

Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there is a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Research has determined that inflammation and bacteria associated with bacteria and periodontal disease is directly related to these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases your risk for periodontal disease.

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Bad breath that doesn't go away
• Pus between tooth and gums
• Loose teeth

Yes, here are several forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include the following.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is little to no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home care.

Aggressive Periodontitis
If plaque is not removed it hardens into tarter. As plaque and tarter continue to build up, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and pockets form between teeth and gums.

Advanced Periodontitis
The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament. Teeth, even healthy teeth become loose and need to be extracted. At this stage, the damage is irreversible.

The bacteria in plaque react with foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel opening the way for cavities to develop. But it can also irritate the gums leading to gum disease, which in its early state is called gingivitis.

Gingivitis can affect you at any age. However it most often affects adults. In fact about three out of four adults over the age 35 have gum disease now or have had it in the past. Fortunately, with regular dental visits and proper daily oral care, gingivitis can be prevented or reversed, because no permanent damage has been done.

Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more severe form of gum disease such as aggressive periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. Once periodontitis develops the damage can't be reversed. Only a professional treatment program and improved oral care at home can keep it from getting worse.

Periodontitis is a silent disease; individuals rarely experience pain and may not be aware of the problem. A perio exam by your dentist twice a year should reveal any problems. A full mouth series of x-rays is advised every two to three years. This will alert the dentist to early bone loss and the dentist will identify any areas where deep pocketing has occurred and also where the health of the gums or gingival tissue appears compromised and where there is tooth mobility. Your dentist will inform you if you have signs of periodontitis and if your condition is severe enough to see a specialist such as a Periodontist.

There are two interrelated approaches to help prevent gum disease:

1. Regular dental office visits. Here, you will experience a thorough soft tissue (gums, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth) examination. Also, your dentist will examine your teeth, paying close attention to all existing dental work. Finally, you will be provided with a cleaning that is an integral part of preventative treatment.
2. Home care and maintenance. A good preventative plan includes proper brushing.  How you brush, the toothpaste you use and how often you brush are keys to success. The average person brushes his/her teeth once a day and for less than a minute per brushing, which is less than half the recommended time. Flossing and rinsing are also useful in creating a healthy oral environment. Oral irrigation devices can help aid in this step. Your dentist may recommend the CloSYS Complete Oral Health System to make these jobs easier and more effective.  You will also enjoy the way your mouth looks and feels every day if you incorporate CloSYS into your daily oral care routine.

Rowpar Pharmaceuticals sources all of the ingredients in CloSYS products from the United States, Canada or England. All CloSYS products are manufactured and produced in the United States.

Chlorine dioxide (CIO2) is a highly effective oxidant in the form of a stable dissolved gas. CIO2 has long been recognized as a very effective antimicrobial for its disinfection and sterilizing properties, and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for industrial use as an eco-friendly drinking water treatment and food disinfection. CIO2 attacks micro-organisms, destroys major pathogens (bacteria) associated with gum disease and inhibits their re-growth. No other biocide has proved to control biofilm, responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, better than chlorine dioxide. CloSYS patented CIO2 formula is found in all our oral products, and when used together provide the user maximum oral health.