What causes gum disease?

 

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth below the gum line. If the plaque is not removed by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease has two stages – Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

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• Gingivitis – This is the early stage of gum disease. Gum swelling develops producing open pockets between the gums and the tooth. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. With intervention, the disease is treatable at this stage and can often be eliminated with maintenance of daily brushing and flossing.

• Periodontitis – If left untreated, Gingivitis will advance to Periodontitis. Gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots, and eventually causing bone loss. 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 need to be removed by a dentist. Chronic gum disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illlness.

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Factors that increase your risk of developing periodontal disease

• 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

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While periodontal disease may be asymptomatic, some symptoms can include

 

• Gums that bleed easily

• Red, swollen, tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste

• Pus between your teeth and gums

• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

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Preventing Gum Disease

Practicing good oral hygiene at home can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease and are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. 

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• Brush regularly at least twice daily

• Clean and floss between your teeth daily

• Eat a nutritious diet

• Avoid tobacco products

• Schedule regular dental checkups, cleanings and periodontal exams

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Periodontal Treatments

If you've been diagnosed with gum disease, there are a variety of treatment options depending your situation and the severity of the problem. We usually start with the least invasive non-surgical options. However, in more serious cases, surgery may be necessary.

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Non-surgical Treatment

The first line of defense against gum disease is a unique type of cleaning called “scaling and root planing.” In this procedure, an ultrasonic cleaning device is used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth where regular cleaning devices cannot reach – under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root. Then, the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out or planed, providing a healthy, clean surface that makes it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.

Scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need if you treat gum disease before it becomes severe. However, as with any dental procedure, after-care is vital. To keep your teeth in good shape and avoid future occurrences of gum disease, you must brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet, avoid tobacco use, and have regular dental checkups. Even after a successful scaling and root planing, if you do not care for your teeth properly, you are likely to develop gum disease again.

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Surgical Treatment Options

If the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to treat severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. Dr. Riley will refer you to a Periodontist for any needed surgical procedures.