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Gum Disease

Gum disease also called periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque is most harmful when these bacteria form into colonies; a process accounting for about 24 hours. If not removed daily, plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products in the mouth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, tender and swollen. It also causes the gums to bleed easily. If not removed, plaque hardens to form calculus (tartar) around the necks of the teeth.

Eventually, the tissue that attaches the gums to the teeth is destroyed by the acids in plaque. The gums pull away from the teeth and small pockets form between the teeth and gums. These pockets become filled with more plaque and eventually the jawbone supporting the teeth is destroyed..

             

THE STAGES OF GUM DISEASE
 

 Gingivitis.

Gums are red, swollen and may bleed during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is completely treatable and can be fully reversed by professional dental cleaning and meticulous home care.

   Mild Periodontitis.

Prolonged presence of bacteria and bacteria-produced acids in the mouth can lead to breakdown of the tooth supporting structures causing formation of periodontal pockets.. Although Periodontitis is not reversible, early detection and intervention can arrest the process preventing from further destruction and tooth loss.
Moderate Periodontitis.

In the absence of proper treatment, destructive process continues, causing deepening of the pockets, exposing the root of the tooth and breaking down tooth supporting structures such as tooth supporting ligaments and the jaw bone in which the tooth is set.

   Severe Periodontitis.

Ultimately all of the supporting structures of the tooth will be gone. The tooth will gradually loosen and, if the condition is left untreated, the tooth will eventually be lost.

 

Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless, progressive disease.

Most adults with gum disease are unaware that they have it.

 However, if diagnosed early, the teeth can be saved.

 

What Are The Symptoms?

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth

Red, swollen or tender gums

Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth

Pus between your teeth and gums when you press your gums with your finger

Teeth that seem loose or that change position; often the front teeth tend to "fan" out

A change in your bite

A change in the way your partial dentures fit

Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.

 

Diagnosis

 

Of course, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of periodontal disease is to have your mouth thoroughly examined, and the necessary oral x-rays taken. We also recommend a thorough prophylaxis (tooth cleaning) for adults at least twice a year. At that time we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the crevice (pocket) - the space between the tooth and the gum tissue. Pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays determine the precise extent of gum disease.

Treatment

Treatment will depend upon the type of periodontal disease and how far the condition has progressed.

Treatment options include:

Scaling

Scaling cleans the teeth to remove the plaque deposits above and below the gumline.

Root Planing

Root Planing smooths rough root surfaces so the gum can heal. Local anesthesia may be used.

Oral Irrigation

Oral Irrigation directs anti-microbial (anti-plaque) liquid below thee gumline to flush out and kill germs to allow the regeneration of healthy tissue.

In some cases antibiotic therapy or gum surgery may be indicated.

More than half of all adults aged 35 and over have the early stages of this disease. Three out of four adults are eventually affected by it. Periodontal disease is the primary cause of lost teeth after age 35. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent periodontal disease in your mouth. If caught in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed.

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