Gum disease is a common condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It begins with gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums, usually due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form where the gums pull away from the teeth and bone is lost, potentially leading to tooth loss.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It's a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of gum disease include bleeding while brushing, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and discomfort. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, genetic predisposition, and poor oral care.
Key Warning Signs:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
Stages of Gum Disease
1. Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. With gingivitis, gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
2. Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. In this stage, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. The gums can become infected and form pockets that trap food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
3. Advanced Periodontitis
This is the final stage of gum disease. The fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity and can include professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, improved oral hygiene, and in advanced cases, surgery or regenerative procedures.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Professional dental cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line
- Scaling and root planing: Deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line
- Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection
Surgical Treatments:
- Flap surgery: Lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets
- Bone and tissue grafts: Regenerating damaged bone and tissue
- Guided tissue regeneration: Stimulating bone and gum tissue growth
Prevention
Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are key to preventing gum disease. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth
- Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
- Not smoking or using tobacco products
- Eating a balanced diet
When to See a Dentist
If you notice any signs of gum disease, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent the progression of gum disease and help maintain your oral health.
At Adil Dent, our experienced team provides comprehensive gum disease treatment using the latest techniques and technology. We're committed to helping you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile.