Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Warning Signs:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any changes in the fit of partial dentures
Diagnosis:
 1. Healthy gingiva (gum tissue) and bone anchor teeth firmly in place. |
 2. Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily.
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 3. Periodontitis occurs when toxins destroy the tissues that anchor teeth in the bone. As gums detach from teeth, pockets form and fill with plaque. Tooth roots are exposed and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch. |
 4. Advanced periodontitis is present when the teeth continue to lose their attachment and the supporting bone is destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist. |
Prevention and Treatment:
The first line of defense is prevention. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner helps prevent plaque from accumulating.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important in preventing periodontal diseases. If these measures are not taken, the likelihood of disease increases. In some cases, even with these measures, a certain percentage of patients experience some form of periodontal disease that must be treated.
For those diagnosed with periodontal disease, one of the treatments is scaling and root planing. Depending on the extent of the disease, we may recommend that one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth be treated. Treatment may require one or more visits.
Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. Using a small scaler or ultrasonic cleaner, plaque and tartar are carefully removed down to the bottom of each periodontal socket. The tooth's root surfaces are then smoothened or planed to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.
Periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Left untreated, surgery may be needed to save affected teeth. Preventing and treating the disease in the early stages are the best ways to keep your smile healthy.