Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is aninflammation or infection of the gums and bone that surround and support your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss among adults in America today.
The three stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, a mild inflammation of the gums. Plaque and tartar build-up at the gumline causing the gums to get red and puffy. You may also notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. The bone and fibers holding your teeth in place are not affected. With treatment, gingivitis can be reversed.
- Periodontitis: At this stage, plaque spreads to the roots of your teeth where infection occurs, damaging the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth forming a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper treatment can stop further damage.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, causing your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed to prevent further damage.
What are the signs of gum disease:
- Gums that are red, puffy or swollen and tender
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
- Gums that hae separated, or pulled away from your teeth
- Teeth that have shifted or loosened
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
- Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Who can get gum disease?
While you can get gum disease at any age, it usually affects adults. After age 35, about three out of four adults have some kind of gum disease.
Certain medical conditions or medications can make you more susceptible to gum disease. They include pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy and such medications as chemotherapy, birth control pills, antidepressants and those for heart problems.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Only your dentist or hygienist can tell if you have gum disease. That's one reason why it's so important to have regular dental checkups.
How is gum disease treated?
Gingivitis (red, puffy gums) can often be reversed with proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris.
In the early stages of periodontitis, your dental professional can clean, or 'scale' your teeth to remove plaque below the gumline. To help healing, tooth roots may also be 'planed' or smoothed. Your dentist may also suggest an antibacterial prescription mouthrinse.
More advanced stages of periodontitis may require surgery to help save the teeth.
Once gum disease is treated, can it return?
Because bacteria causes gum disease, it can recur. However, with regular checkups and proper brushing and flossing, you can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease returning.
What can I do to help prevent gum disease?
- Above all, develop good oral hygiene habits. Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from your teeth and gumline.
- Schedule regular dental checkups so that your dentist and hygienist can detect early signs of gum disease as well as clean away plaque and tartar.
- Eat right. Proper nutrition helps you maintain healthy gums and bones and fight infection.
- Avoid cigarettes and other types of tobacco.
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Pressure on the bone and fibers that support your teeth can make existing gum disease worse.
