Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease or periodontal disease is the result of bacterial overgrowth in the mouth and if left untreated , may result in tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue and small ligaments that surrounds your teeth.
This infection begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, surrounds the tooth and is not removed for prolonged periods of time. The constant inflammation from the bacteria causes destruction to the foundation for the tooth. About 40 percent of individuals older than 30 and 70 percent of individuals older than 65 have some form of periodontal disease.
Risk Factors Leading to Gum Disease
- Smoking
- Chew Tobacco
- Stress
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Diabetes
- Poor Nutrition
- Age
Types of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, causing the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is no or very little discomfort associated with this stage of the disease. With a good oral hygiene regimen, the results of gingivitis can be reversed. It has been reported that more than 50% of adults had gingivitis on an average of 3 to 4 teeth in their mouth.
- Aggressive periodontitis displays rapid bone destruction and attachment loss in clinically healthy patients
- Chronic periodontitis is one of the most common forms of gum disease and is frequently seen in adults. The stages progress slowly and can be recognized by gum recession and pocket formation.
Preventing Gum Disease
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and paying regular visits to your dentist can prevent gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing can keep plaque to a minimum. Professional cleanings every six months are also recommended. Our team is dedicated to educating you on your individual treatment needs and will offer recommendations, products and tools to keep your smile healthy.
Treating Gum Disease
Scaling and root planning (SRP) is a procedure often completed to debride the deeper pockets around teeth harboring excess plaque and calculus. Many of these sites cannot be accessed by regular brushing and flossing or even routine cleanings. Our talented hygienists will make these areas comfortable and then utilize special instruments and ultrasonic tools to remove the surplus of bacteria in these sites with the goal of removing inflammation. Scaling is considered a non-surgical technique. A combination of SRP, modification to home care techniques and a more frequent cleaning cycle are often ways periodontal disease can be controlled.
In certain cases, periodontal surgery may be recommended to treat gum disease when non-surgical treatment is ineffective. We may recommend procedures such as pocket reduction, soft tissue grafts or bone regeneration to treat gum disease. In many cases a periodontal specialist may be required to evaluate these situations.
