Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. If you suspect you have gum disease, the sooner you treat it the better.
What are plaque, calculus and tartar?
Plaque and tartar are biological substances that can form on the enamel of your teeth. They are both linked to tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque is a biofilm that sticks to the surface of your teeth. It can host bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum infections. Plaque can be removed by regular brushing and flossing.
Tartar is a hard substance that forms on your teeth along the gumline. Tartar is very hard and can only be removed by our office using special tools. If the tartar isn’t removed, it can irritate your gums and make them vulnerable to infection.
What is gum disease?
- Gingivitis - The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at our office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis - Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth.
Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in isolated areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.
Warning signs that can signal a problem:
It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Warning signs include:
- gums that bleed easily
- red, swollen, tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- persistent bad breath or bad taste
- permanent teeth that are loose
- any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- any change in the fit of partial dentures
Factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease:
- poor oral hygiene
- smoking or chewing tobacco
- genetics
- crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
- pregnancy
- diabetes
- medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer
Treatment
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. If gum disease is caught early and hasn’t damaged the structures below the gum line, a professional cleaning should do. If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, however, a procedure called scaling and root planing may be needed. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease. We might also insert medication directly into the pocket that was cleaned.
Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the link between gum disease and heart disease?
Many studies show an association between gum disease and several serious health conditions, including heart disease, even after adjusting for common risk factors. It’s believed that untreated gum disease might cause the level of inflammation in the body to increase. High levels of inflammation can lead to the development of other inflammatory conditions.
Is gum disease linked to diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body's ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can also lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems, including gum disease, so it's important that you are extra diligent with your oral health.
If I don’t have cavities can I have gum disease?
Yes. It's possible to have gum disease even if you don't have cavities. This is because different bacteria cause cavities and gum disease.
Does having gum disease mean I will lose my teeth?
You don’t have to lose any of your teeth to gum disease if you practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental visits. Even if you are diagnosed with gum disease, we can design a treatment plan to help you treat it.
Is bad breath an indicator of gum disease?
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be an indicator of gum disease and other oral diseases so it is important that we uncover what’s causing the problem. If you constantly have bad breath, make an appointment to see us. Regular checkups will allow us to detect any problems that might be causing your bad breath.
