Understanding Periodontal Disease and Gum Health
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is one of the primary causes of tooth loss in adults. Because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, we will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Common signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, gingivitis is reversible and can be managed before it progresses to more serious gum conditions.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It can lead to gum recession, deep pockets, and loose teeth if untreated. Early diagnosis and ongoing care help control infection, protect bone structure, and maintain long-term oral health.
Prophy vs Scaling and Root Planing
Prophy (professional cleaning) and scaling and root planing treat different levels of gum health. Prophy removes plaque and tartar above the gumline to maintain healthy gums. Scaling and root planing is a deeper procedure that cleans below the gumline, targeting infection and helping manage gum disease progression.
Plaque and Calculus
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily, while calculus (tartar) is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. If not managed, both can irritate gums and lead to decay or gum disease. Regular hygiene and professional cleanings help keep buildup under control.
Consequences of Bone Loss
Bone loss in the jaw weakens the support structure around teeth, often caused by untreated gum disease or missing teeth. It can lead to loose teeth, bite changes, and facial changes over time. Early detection and treatment help slow progression and preserve both function and overall oral health.
Gingival Recession
Gingival recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the root surface. This can lead to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and changes in appearance. Early evaluation helps identify causes and guide care to protect the gums and maintain long-term oral health.
Peri-Implant Mucositis
Peri-implant mucositis is inflammation of the gum tissue around a dental implant, often caused by plaque buildup. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and bleeding. When identified early, it can be managed with proper cleaning and professional care to prevent progression to more serious implant complications.
Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is a more advanced condition affecting the tissues and bone around a dental implant. It develops from untreated inflammation and can lead to bone loss and implant instability. Early diagnosis and targeted care are essential to control infection, protect surrounding structures, and maintain long-term implant health.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums.
Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. It has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis. The gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require removal by a dentist.
Certain Factors Can Increase a Patient’s Risk of Developing Periodontal Disease, Including:
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Treating Gum Disease
Treatments for gum disease can vary, depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:
- Non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
- Dental implants
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are worthwhile for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease; by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease.
Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.
