Periodontal (Gum) Disease is a serious infection caused by a degenerative bacterium that can spread around the root of the teeth causing bone resorbtion (loss) and, if left untreated, tooth loss. A skilled periodontist will evaluate your condition and depending on its severity, recommend either a non-surgical periodontal treatment or surgical intervention.

Types of Gum Disease:

Gum Disease goes through several stages. As the disease progresses, the periodontal treatment options become more complex, costly, and time-intensive. It is important that at the first signs of gum disease symptoms you seek an experienced periodontist.

Gingivitis:

The earliest and mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by swelling of the gums. Often, the gums will bleed during normal brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional periodontal treatment and consistent oral home care.

Periodontitis:

There are several stages of the advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis:

  • Aggressive Periodontitis is a form of Gum Disease found in patients who may have otherwise good overall oral health. Common symptoms of aggressive periodontitis include a rapid increase in the size of gum pockets around to the teeth, which may lead to bone loss.

  • Chronic priodontitis is a form of gum disease that requires immediate periodontal intervention. This form of periodontitis causes inflammation within the supporting tissue of the teeth leading to progressive plaque attachment and rapid bone loss. Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease and although it is prevalent in adults, it can be take hold at any age. If left untreated, this form of gum disease will require gum surgery.

  • Periodontitis of a Systemic Disease is a form of gum disease that often found at a young age and is associated with a preexisting disorder, such as diabetes.

  • Necrotizing Periodontal Disease is one of the most dangerous forms of gum disease. This is characterized by necrosis (dead of the supporting tissue aroud the teeth) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. This is a very aggressive form of gum disease and often leaves gum surgery as the only treatment option.

Causes of Gum Disease:

The main cause of Periodontal (Gum) Disease is bacterial plaque, a highly adhesive, clear film that is constantly forming on your teeth. The following causes have also been attributed to gingivitis and the more advanced forms of periodontitis:

Medications such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. It is important you inform your periodontist of the medications you are taking and of any changes that may accrue. 

  • Smoking and the use of tobacco has been shown to be a major contributor to gum disease. It is no secret that smoking causes a host of health related issues, but recent studies have shown it to be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and advancement of periodontal diseases.

  • Genetics are responsible for nearly 30 percent of the population to gum disease. Even with aggressive and consistent oral health care, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease than those who are not genetically susceptible to gum disease. It is important to visit a periodontist to determine if you are at a higher risk for periodontal complications in order to begin an early intervention treatment.

  • Pregnancy and the accompany of hormonal changes  can lead to an increased susceptibility to gum disease. Severe hormonal fluctuations are known to affect a number of tissues in your body, including your gums.

  • Grinding you Teeth creates an excess force on the supporting tissue of the teeth and can accelerate the rate at which gum disease destroys the sensitive support system of your mouth.

  • Diabetes causes fluctuations and alter nations in your blood sugar. These changes may lead to a higher risk for developing severe periodontal disease that requires gum surgery.

  • Poor Nutrition can lead to a multitude of health-related complications, including gum disease. Compromising your immune system in any form including a poor diet will hinder your body's natural ability to fight off gum disease, and may require you to seek professional periodontal treatment.

Gum Disease Symptoms:

It is imperative to keep a close watch on potential gum disease symptoms. Allowing your periodontist to make an early diagnosis can make the difference between non-surgical periodontal intervention or surgical treatment of the gums. Symptoms to keep an eye on include:

  • Mouth pain

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss

  • Increased space between the teeth

  • Gums that feel swollen or tender

  • Gums that appear to be receding, making your teeth appear longer

  • Persistent bad breath

  • The formation of pus between your teeth

  • Changes in your bite and the way your teeth fit together

  • Sores in your mouth

How is Periodontal Disease treated?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment done requires that the patient in addition keeps a good home care. Additionally, modifying certain behaviors, such as quitting tobacco and eating unhealthy foods might also be suggested as a way to improve treatment outcome.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.

Surgery:

Flap Surgery: Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets remain following treatment with deep cleaning and medications. A periodontist may perform a, so called, flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again. 

Bone and Tissue Grafts:

In addition to flap surgery, your periodontist may suggest Bone or Tissue Grafts. Grafting is a way to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue destroyed by periodontitis. A technique that can be used with bone grafting is called guided tissue regeneration, in which a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow.

Since each case is different, it is not possible to predict with certainty which grafts will be successful over the long-term. Treatment results depend on many things, including severity of the disease, ability to maintain oral hygiene at home, and certain risk factors, such as smoking, which may lower the chances of success. Ask your periodontist what the level of success might be in your particular case.

What you should do to Prevent Gum Disease?

Here are some things you can do to Prevent Periodontal Diseases:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day  
  • Floss every day  at least once
  • Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
  • Eat a well balanced diet