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Gum Disease
Adults
Stages of Gum Disease
Signs of Gum Disease
Treatment
Gum Disease
- Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth.
- Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque.
- If the plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing it can build up and the bacteria will not only infect the teeth and gums, but it can also infect the gum tissue and bone.
Three Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis- Earliest stage of gum disease. It is an inflammation of the gums caused by excess plaque at the gumline. The plaque produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue. Damage in this early stage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
- Periodontitis- Supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque.
- Advanced Periodontitis – The fibers and bone supporting the teeth are destroyed, which can cause the teeth to shift or loosen.
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Signs of Gum Disease
- Gums are red, tender, puffy or swollen
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Teeth look longer because the gums have receded
- Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from the teeth creating a pocket
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
- Pus coming from between the teeth and gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Treatment
- Early stages can be reversed by brushing and flossing daily.
- Professional cleaning by the dentist or hygienist to remove the plaque that has hardened into tarter.
- If the condition is more severe a root planing procedure will be performed.
- Root planing smoothes irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it harder for plaque to deposit.
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