Gum or Periodontal Disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease is a THREAT to your oral health as well as your general health. It may contribute to heart attack or stroke, increased risk of delivering pre-term for women, delivering low birth weight babies, difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes etc.

Gum disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.

The Cause

Types

The Problem

The Solution

Prevention Plan

Risk Factors

Cause :

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria constantly form a sticky, colorless “PLAQUE” on your teeth. Plaque is always forming without you even knowing it. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form a bacteria harboring “TARTAR” (Calculus) that brushing doesn’t clean but requires professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.

Types :

Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum and is the mildest form of gum disease. Bleeding can occur while brushing, the gums are inflamed and can be sensitive. There is a possibility of bad breath/taste. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.

Periodontitis:
Periodontitis is the inflammation around the tooth, and is the result of untreated gingivitis. At this stage infected “pockets” are formed. The plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. The bacteria and infection start breaking down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

The Problem :

Gums that bleed during tooth brushing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth which make teeth appear longer than before
Pus between the teeth and the gums when the gums are pressed
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in the way the teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures
Uneven gum line when you smile
Roots of the teeth exposed and sensitive to hot and cold
Developing sores in the mouth

Gum disease may progress painlessly and symptoms are often NOT noticeable until the disease is advanced.

The Solution :

The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Depending on how advanced an individual case is, treatment may involve any of the following:

Non-Surgical Treatment: the removal of plaque and tartar when the gum disease is diagnosed at an early stage.

1) Dental Cleaning by a dental hygienist (prophylaxis)

2) Deep Cleaning (Scaling and root planing)

3) Bite (Occlusal) Adjustment: an improper bite may increase bone destruction attached to such offending teeth. We may either choose to adjust your bite so that your teeth meet properly and function better, or construct a custom bite guard or splint – a removable device that fits over upper or lower teeth – to protect teeth surfaces and relax tense jaw muscles.

4) Medications: are used to help kill germs that cause Periodontitis or suppress the destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone. Antibiotic gels, fibers or chips are applied directly to the infected “pocket”. Antibiotics may be placed in the pocket or given orally depending on the case.

5) Use of x-rays and charting of the pockets to see how deep the pockets are.

6) Maintain regular check-ups with your dentist (once a month up to once every 3 months or as requested by your dentist) to re-evaluate the stage of the gum disease.

Surgical Treatment: Periodontal surgery is necessary when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.

1) Curettage: is the removal of infected soft tissue lining the pocket.

2) Gingivectomy: is the surgical removal of actual pockets, which have become infected.

3) Flap Surgery: involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar.

4) Bone Grafts: used to replace bone destroyed by Periodontitis.

5) Soft Tissue Grafts: reinforce thin gums or fill in places where gums have receded.

6) Guided Tissue Regeneration: stimulates bone and gum tissue growth.

7) Bone (osseous) Surgery: smoothes shallow craters in the bone due to moderate and advanced bone loss.

Prevention Plan:

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit your dental hygienist for a professional cleaning once every six months or as indicated by your hygienist
Visit your dentist for a routinely check-up once every six months
Eat a well balanced diet, avoid high sugar products and processed “junk food”
Don’t use tobacco products

Remember, it is always better to prevent disease than to treat disease.

Risk Factors :

While plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says that other factors are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of the disease development. These can include:

Tobacco Use, either smoking or chewing
Hormonal Changes
Stress
Medications that can lessen the flow of saliva
Poor Nutrition, that interferes with the immune system
Illnesses such as Cancer and Aids, that interferes with the immune system
Clenching and grinding teeth that could speed up rates at which tissues are destroyed