Understanding Periodontal Disease

Begins with biofilm

Biofilm

  • Unhealthy balance of bacteria forms

May lead to oral infection

Inflammatory Response

  • Body begins to fight the bacteria
  • Pocket depth increases

Potential for further complications

Tissue damage/bone loss

  • Significant inflammation develops
  • Bacteria spreads to healthy sites

Potential concerns of untreated infection

  • Bacteremia* (bacteria in blood)
  • Potential systemic links**

*Bennett NJ, Domachowske J, and Holland BJ. Bacteremia. WebMD. 2010. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/961169-overview. Last accessed April 8, 2010.

**A causal relationship between periodontal disease and an elevated risk for systemic events has not been established. There is no clinical research data to suggest ARESTIN® treatment for periodontal disease may lower the risk for systemic events.