Gum disease encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions that affect tissues surrounding the teeth. The earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is characterized by gums that are red, swollen, and/or bleeding.
Gum disease encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions that affect tissues surrounding the teeth. The earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is characterized by gums that are red, swollen, and/or bleeding. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is characterized by gums that have begun to pull back from the tooth, bone loss, halitosis, and/or potential loss of a tooth or teeth. Approximately 75% of adults currently suffer from some form of gum disease.
Gum disease most typically presents itself as a tinge of blood on your toothbrush following brushing your teeth. If left untreated long enough, gum disease can result in the gums becoming inflamed, which can then cause the tissue and bone around your teeth to begin deteriorating. Along with the damage gum disease can cause to your oral health, it can also cause other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.
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In order to avoid developing gum disease, it is important to understand what gum disease is, the different severities of gum disease, and what steps are needed to address this issue.
This is the earliest and most common type of periodontal disease, and occurs when plaque builds around the gums. Typical symptoms of gingivitis include puffy, irritated, or swollen gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Treatment typically involves a deep cleaning.
If the patient is not treated during the gingivitis stage, early periodontitis can occur. Typical symptoms include gums that bleed, mild to moderate bone loss, and plaque that develops below the gum line. When patients have reached this stage, additional treatments may be required, such as deep cleaning, laser therapy, or a combination of both.
The most advanced level of periodontal disease, advanced periodontitis is characterized by pockets that develop between the teeth and gums, and eventually in the jawbone, which results in jawbone loss. Treatment options at this stage include deep cleaning, laser therapy, and/or a bone graft.
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. If you are a candidate, your periodontist will suggest a follow up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended. The most common types of treatment options for treating gum disease include:
Provided the gum disease is in its early stage, a deep cleaning may be sufficient to reverse the damage that has occurred and reduce the likelihood of additional damage from occurring
A common method used to address periodontal disease. Scaling refers to the process of removing tartar that has accumulated, either on your teeth or below your gumline. Planing involves the removal of tartar below the root line.
For more advanced cases of gum disease, it may be necessary to perform surgery on the gums, along with regenerative procedures. Doing so can restore lost tissue and eliminate the disease.
The procedure involves placing grafting material (bone from a human or animal donor or synthetic material) in the affected area to the affected teeth, which is then covered by a collagen membrane to promote growth, protect the graft, and potentially save the teeth
Gum disease is typically not caught in the early stages because symptoms of the disease occur so gradually. Contact your periodontist if you notice any of the following symptoms that are commonly associated with gum disease:
The best way to prevent gum disease from developing is to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily, and ideally every time you brush your teeth. It is also important to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques and continue scheduling regular checkups with your periodontist every six months or even more frequently, for patients who suffer from advanced periodontal issues. By maintaining a consistent oral health care routine, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing additional periodontal issues, and will continue enjoying a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.