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About this treatment
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It typically begins with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, can progress to more severe forms that damage the gums and underlying bone (periodontitis).
How is Gum Disease diagnosed?
- Clinical Examination: Visual inspection for signs like redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.
- Probing and Measurement: Using a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths between teeth and gums.
- Dental X-Rays: Revealing bone loss around teeth, indicating gum disease severity.
- Assessment of Symptoms: Inquiry into symptoms like tenderness, swelling, bleeding, or bad breath.
- Periodontal Charting: Recording pocket depths and clinical findings to monitor gum health.
- Evaluation of Risk Factors: Identifying factors such as smoking, diabetes, and genetic predisposition to manage gum disease effectively.
Stages of Gum disease
Gingivitis:
- Early stage with inflamed, bleeding gums due to plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene, smoking, or diabetes.
- Reversible with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
Early Periodontitis:
- Inflammation damages teeth's supporting structures, causing gum recession and pocket formation.
- Symptoms include bad breath, sensitivity, and bleeding during oral care.
- Treatments like scaling and root planing remove plaque and aid healing.
Advanced Periodontitis:
- Severe destruction of periodontal tissues, significant bone loss, and tooth mobility.
- Symptoms include severe gum recession, deep pockets, loose teeth, pus, and bad breath.
- Treatment may involve surgical techniques such as bone grafting or tooth extraction.
Common symptoms
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gum line, exposing tooth surfaces
- Sensitive or loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Pus between teeth and gums in advanced cases
- Changes in bite alignment
Can it be reversed?
Gum disease, particularly in its early stage gingivitis, can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, causing irreversible damage to gums and bone. Early professional intervention is key to halting its progression and restoring oral health. Addressing gum disease promptly improves treatment success and potential reversal.
How to prevent gum disease
- Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste, brush for two minutes, and cover all tooth surfaces and along the gumline, as well as use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Floss daily: Remove plaque and debris from between teeth and along the gumline.
- Eat a balanced diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks; opt for fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and stay hydrated
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups to detect and treat gum disease early, and monitor you gum health
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